Additional rain fell on flooded areas of the Midwest this week. However, there is hope that the rain will not make situation worse.
A storm bringing snow to part of the northern Plains, Rockies and upper Great Lakes during the first part of this week sent a swath of rain through the Midwest.
As expected this system was less intense and faster-moving, when compared to last week's storm that pushed rivers to moderate, major and record flood stage.
Members of the Missouri Nationals Guard and others work to shore up a temporary levee in an effort to hold back the swollen Mississippi River Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Clarksville, Mo. Communities along the Mississippi River and other rain-engorged waterways are waging feverish bids to hold back floodwaters. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Last week, portions of states from Missouri to Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin received from 3 to 7 inches of rain. Much of that rain fell during a 24- to 36-hour period upon saturated ground.
As of 10:00 a.m. CDT Wednesday, April 24, 2013, the rainfall from the recent storm system has ranged from 0.50 to 1.50 inches with a few spots picking up a bit more from Missouri and Iowa to Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.
The rainfall is likely to slow the recession of river levels and could cause minor rises at some locations a short time after the rain as it flows into progressively larger rivers.
Moving forward there are indications of additional rainfall events.
The speed, intensity and location of the heaviest rainfall with these systems will be monitored for the risk of stream and river flooding over the Midwest.
There is concern of major flooding along the Red River of the North which borders North Dakota and Minnesota. While rains are avoiding this basin, extensive snow cover remains, which contains a great deal of water. A rapid thaw this weekend will initiate a rapid rise on the river and may culminate into major flooding next week.
The National Weather Service issues official flood statements and river level forecasts based on their own rainfall projections, snow cover and hydrological and geographical algorithms.
Dozens of barges broke free along the Mississippi River this weekend from St. Louis, Mo., to Vicksburg, Miss. Increasing flow and rising water levels on the river were partially to blame.
Some of the barges have sunk and several near St. Louis drifted downstream and struck the Jefferson Barracks Bridge. While the bridge was closed for a time over the weekend, it has since been inspected and reopened. Most of the barges have been recovered or secured as of Monday.
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