Illinois Flash Flood Warning | Effective 05/18/2026 13:56

Headline: 
Flash Flood Warning issued May 18 at 3:56PM CDT until May 18 at 6:00PM CDT by NWS Lincoln IL
Event: 
Flash Flood Warning
Urgency: 
Immediate
Effective: 
May 18, 2026 - 1:56pm
Expires: 
May 18, 2026 - 4:00pm
Description: 
At 356 PM CDT, emergency management reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Emergency management reported. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Flora, Clay City, Xenia and Flora Municipal Airport.
Instruction: 
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.
Area Description: 
Clay, IL
Forcast Office: 
NWS Lincoln IL
Sender: 
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov