Extreme Fire Weather Concerns; Severe Thunderstorms from the Plains to Mississippi Valley

Extremely critical fire weather concerns for portions of the southern High Plans as strong wind and very dry conditions could result in rapid spread of any fires. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms are expected once again across areas of the Central and Southern Plains, then spreading in the Mississippi Valley regions on Monday. Damaging winds, very large hail and strong tornadoes are possible. Read More >

What's Happening Now

A near normal flood risk can be expected through the rest of the Spring. However, future precipitation could impact this risk so continue to monitor the latest information.

Click on a link below for more information:

What Can We Expect This Spring and Why

The overall risk for flooding is near normal this Spring for the mainstem of the Mississippi River and Tributaries.

Factors for a near-normal flooding risk this spring:

Overall drier conditions during the late Summer and Autumn of 2020 continued into this winter.
Limited snowpack this winter and most of this snowpack has now melted across the local area.
Lower soil moisture, not saturated like we saw last year.
Some pockets of frost remain in the ground but much of the ground frost has thawed and will continue to do so over the next few weeks.

Preparedness Information

A near-normal flood risk means the chances for spring snowmelt flooding are near normal based on historical data and current conditions. Future precipitation trends may increase or decrease the flooding threat, monitor information from the National Weather Service.
Live in a flood prone area? Consider flood insurance (may require 30 day notice).
Prepare your home by making sure your sump pump is working and consider a backup.

Please see our video briefing from March 12th

Latest Snow Depth Information

Click Here For An In-Depth Snow Analysis

Latest River Level Information

Mississippi River Basin

Lake City	Wabasha	Alma	Minnesota City Dam 5

Lake City	Wabasha	Alma	Minnesota City
Winona Dam 5A	Winona	Trempealeau Dam 6	La Crescent Dam 7

La Crosse	Genoa Dam 8	Lansing	Lynxville Dam 9

McGregor	Guttenberg Dam 10	Dubuque Dam 11	Dubuque