The past month has brought extreme weather fluctuations, from a bitterly cold snap that caused financial havoc on cities throughout the state in the form of higher heating costs, to recent rains that could potentially bring flooding dangers.
More than 6.5 inches of rain fell in the past week, starting on March 10 with 1.68 inches. On March 13, another 2.37 inches fell.
This morning, the Iola Water Plant reported 1.33 inches in the past 24 hours.
That brings the total for the month to 6.77, and the total for the year to 12.19.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for this afternoon until 1 a.m. Thursday, with north winds expected between 20 and 30 mph and gusts up to 40. The advisory warns of the need for extra caution when driving, and to secure outdoor objects.
The National Weather Service also issued a flood warning for Iola between Thursday morning and Friday afternoon.
County road officials report some flooding of at least 10 crossings on area roads, particularly around low-water bridges, but otherwise found the situation manageable.
If you come to a flooded intersection, state and local officials say “turn around and don’t drown.”
The rain doesn’t show much sign of letting up.
The forecast calls for rain and thunderstorms to continue throughout today and into tomorrow afternoon. The weekend could bring an opportunity to dry out before more storms next week.
Temperatures, though, were expected to remain relatively mild, with highs mostly in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 30s and 40s.
