With rain and warmer temperatures comes worries about flooding

All of Northeast Iowa has been included in a Flood Watch issued by the National Weather Service La Crosse Office.

The statement by NWS reads, "From Wednesday morning through Thursday evening...warmer temperatures into midweek will create rapid snow melt, with periods of rain also expected. Run-off from melting snow and rainfall will bring rising water levels for many rivers and streams, with an increased risk of flooding. Additionally, break up of ice on rivers may lead to ice jam formation, which could heighten the risk for flooding in localized areas."

In Winneshiek County, the USGS river gauge at Bluffton on Monday recorded a brief spike in river levels.  The National Weather Service says similar fast rising waters could happen Wednesday or Thursday, advising those living near rivers and waterways to closely monitor conditions and to be prepared to take action if flooding develops.