Flash flood warning in effect for Springfield area

A flash flood warning is in effect for much of central Illinois today due to a series of heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the region.

At 9:43 a.m., the National Weather Service in Lincoln issued a flash flood warning for Sangamon, northwestern Christian, southwestern Logan, central Menard, western Macon and southeastern Mason counties until 12:45 p.m. NWS said Doppler radar showed thunderstorms producing heavy rain up to two inches throughout the area.

A flash flood was reported at 11:14 a.m. along Old Route 36 a mile east of Dawson. Village President Dee Smith said the road was open despite water beginning to flow onto the road. He noted that people could come in and out of town west of the village, but eastbound traffic would be affected.

Parts of Illinois 54 northeast of Spaulding were closed earlier this morning following a flash flood prior to the current line of storms.

The Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Transportation were on the scene of a vehicle crash on Route 54 at Prairie School Road, near Barclay earlier Tuesday. Significant flooding on the roadway was a factor, according to an ISP Facebook post.

Power lines were reported to be down in Atlanta and Lincoln in Logan County due to high winds.

Further flash flood warnings were put in effect for southeastern Logan and central Macon counties, among others, until 12:30 p.m., with multiple underpasses in Decatur reported to be under water.

At 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, NWS said up to 6 inches of rain had fallen in the area, with warnings for both Sangamon and Christian counties likely to continue until 12:45 p.m. A warning for southeastern Macon County is currently in effect until 12:30 p.m.

Low-lying areas streets, highways and underpasses are likely to be impacted by flash flooding, with small creeks and streams also likely to overflow.

NWS recommends that people be aware of their surroundings while driving and not try to cross flooded roads.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Flash flood warning in effect for Springfield area