Second round of storms have Winneshiek County officials on alert

Winneshiek County emergency responders say they're ready for whatever the next 24 hours bring.  "We're prepared for a long night, if necessary," said Sheriff Dan Marx during the day Tuesday.

Heavy rains fell on Winneshiek County over the Labor Day weekend.  The Turkey River ran close to its banks Tuesday.  The Upper Iowa River had lower levels, but with the prediction of substantial rainfall again Tuesday night and during Wednesday, there are no guarantees.

The National Weather Service Office in La Crosse says heavy rains will happen over the next 24 hours.  "Showers and thunderstorms with heavy rain will impact the area through Wednesday morning. Heavy rain will occur with all the storms.  Localized to widespread flooding is anticipated. Expect rises on rivers and streams - some are already high or flooding." 

Conclude forecasters: "This  is a potentially dangerous weather scenario, especially for parts of northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, where heavy rain have fallen over the past week."