UPDATE: Flood Warning Issued for Winneshiek County

UPDATE as of 11:00 a.m. on August 18: The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a flood warning for parts of north central and northeast Iowa, including Winneshiek County, until 6 p.m. Monday. The warning replaces the earlier flash flood warning. Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms has already caused flooding, with Doppler radar and automated rain gauges showing 4 to 6 inches of rain in the affected areas. Additional light rainfall is possible through the morning. Counties included in the warning are Floyd and Mitchell in north central Iowa, and Allamakee, Chickasaw, Howard, and Winneshiek in northeast Iowa. Some of the locations expected to experience flooding include Decorah, Charles City, Waukon, Cresco, New Hampton, Calmar, Elma, Lawler, Spillville, Fort Atkinson, Floyd, Ridgeway, Ionia, Protivin, Jerico, Chickasaw, Alta Vista, North Washington, Colwell and Bassett. According to the advisory, flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. For more information on flood safety, visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/safety/flood. WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa — The National Weather Service in La Crosse has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Winneshiek County and surrounding areas until 11 a.m. today, Aug. 18. At 7:20 a.m., radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall across the region, with 3 to 4 inches already fallen and an additional 1 to 2 inches possible. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin soon. Flooding may affect small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and low-lying areas. Locations at risk include Decorah, Calmar, Spillville, Ridgeway, Fort Atkinson, and Protivin, along with neighboring communities in Chickasaw, Howard, Allamakee, Floyd, and Mitchell counties. Residents are urged to use caution, avoid flooded roads and underpasses, and monitor local alerts for updates.