09/19/2026
🌧️ HEAVY RAIN & FLASH FLOODING THREAT TONIGHT
South-Central & Southeast Minnesota | North-Central & Northeast Iowa | Southern Wisconsin
The Weather Prediction Center has issued Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion #1327 for areas of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.
⏰ Valid: Friday, September 18 at 8:10 PM CDT through Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 AM CDT
🌧️ WHAT TO EXPECT
Thunderstorms are expected to increase and organize into a linear complex tonight, with storms potentially repeatedly moving over the same areas.
Rainfall rates could increase to around 1.5–2 inches per hour, which could lead to significant rainfall totals.
📍 Rainfall totals of 2–4 inches are possible, with an isolated location potentially approaching 5 inches.
⚠️ MINNESOTA & IOWA
The higher flash-flood concern initially appears to be across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, where soils and flash-flood guidance values are lower.
Areas that receive repeated thunderstorms could see rapid rises in water levels, ponding on roads, and localized flash flooding.
Storms may repeatedly track along the same corridor, increasing the potential for heavy rainfall in a relatively short period of time.
📍 SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
The threat could shift toward southern Wisconsin later tonight, particularly toward the Driftless Area, as the strongest moisture and lift move eastward.
While flash flooding is considered possible here, the WPC notes the greatest concern is initially farther west across Minnesota and Iowa.
2–4+ inches of rain could fall in areas tonight, with rainfall rates approaching 2 inches per hour.
If thunderstorms repeatedly move over the same location, flash flooding could develop quickly.
Keep an eye on water-covered roads and never drive through flooded roadways.