Summer Soaker Coming, Flood Watch for Rosemount, Dakota County

Another week, another extreme weather event.

Since last year, it seems our weather has had one flood, blizzard, tornado or heat wave after another.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Dakota County, including Rosemount, as well as all of the Twin Cities. The area is forecast to get 2-4 inches of rain by Thursday, with pockets of 5 inches or more expected.

According to the NWS:

Thunderstorms will become widespread across southern Minnesota by this evening and some of these storms could be severe. Several rounds of heavy rain are possible from late today through Wednesday morning, especially across west central through south central Minnesota. Rainfall totals by midweek could exceed three inches in these areas. Please see the latest Flood Watch that covers this area for more information.

The watch could be upgraded to a warning at any time, the NWS says.

If an area near your home does flood, the NWS offers these tips:

Do Not Walk Through Flowing Water

Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths. Most occur during flash floods. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a pole or stick to make sure that the ground is still there before you go through an area where the water is not flowing.

Do Not Drive Through a Flooded Area

Most people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Don't drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.