Remnants of Hurricane Polo could bring drought relief, flooding threat to the area
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Remnants of Hurricane Polo are expected to help fuel rounds of heavy rain across southwest Missouri later this week, bringing drought relief while also raising the risk of flash flooding.
Rain is expected to begin moving into western portions of the region Wednesday night into Thursday as Polo’s tropical moisture becomes absorbed into a slow-moving storm system.
Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms could then continue through Saturday before gradually ending Sunday.
The greatest flooding concern is expected west of Highway 65, including the Joplin area.
The metro currently has a 90% chance of receiving at least 1 inch of rain between Wednesday and Saturday, a 75% chance of at least 2 inches and a 53% chance of receiving 3 inches or more.
Locally higher totals are possible where persistent bands develop.
The rain comes as portions of southwest Missouri remain in severe to extreme drought.
Forecasters say the dry ground can use the moisture, but drought conditions do not eliminate the threat of flash flooding when rainfall becomes intense or repeatedly falls over the same area.
A Flood Watch could eventually be issued for counties west of I-49 if confidence increases in prolonged heavy rainfall.
Severe thunderstorms are not currently expected to be in play.
Rainfall amounts and the location of the heaviest bands are expected to become clearer as the system approaches.
