National Weather Service expects more rain today, breaks for the weekend

With waterways throughout Southeast Missouri at or nearing crest levels, more heavy rains are on the way, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky.

Lead forecaster David Humphrey said another half-inch to an inch and a half of rain is predicted for the region through this evening.

A flood watch continues through 7 p.m., so there appears there will be no immediate relief for flood- swollen rivers, creeks and tributaries wreaking havoc on communities throughout Southeast Missouri.

The forecast, however, does call for respite from the rain -- with sunshine and dry weather expected Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Humphrey said the break will take some pressure off the small waterways at least, but the major rivers are still heading for crest by early May.

This month stands to be the wettest April on record in much of Southeast Missouri. Poplar Bluff, Mo., has recorded as much as 15 inches of rain, much of that in the past several days, Humphrey said. Most of Southeast Missouri has been drenched with 8 to 12 inches of rain, he said.

"With last night's rainfall, Paducah, Ky., is running at the highest rainfall total ever for April, with 14.78 inches," the meteorologist said.

Look for updates at semissourian.com, and in Thursday's Southeast Missourian.