Beginning late last night, continuing through yesterday and still coming down, the rains have caused much distress across Southern Illinois and Missouri. As for myself, I live on a hill, but the once pastures and fields surrounding me have become great lakes. Hopefully today the rain will lessen and the water will begin to recede.

Levee Breach in Union County, Illinois
By: Heartland News
Breaking News from the Heartland Newsroom...
According to the Union County Sheriff Department, the Clear Creek Levee near State Route 146 has breached. They stress that the levee hasn't failed, but water is running over the top of the levee.
They are suggesting evacuations for residents between the levee and the town of Ware, Illinois. The evacuation is not mandatory, however it is suggested.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Tuesday, March 18's heavy rainfall officially goes in to the record books as the heaviest one day rainfall total for Cape Girardeau.
Officially at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, 11.48" of rain fell Tuesday, March 18, 2008. The previous record was 6.73" on March 27, 1977.

BOLLINGER COUNTY, Mo. - A Bollinger County Sheriff's deputy says a car has been swept off of Hwy. 34 in Bollinger County east of Marble Hill.
Police are looking for the missing person
DELTA, Mo. - Firefighters rescued a mother and three children from the rising flood waters in Delta Tuesday afternoon.
A mother with a three month old, three year old, and eight year old were rescued after water surrounded their house about 3:45 p.m.
Firefighter John Sachen says the house was on the 400 block on Kidd Street, two blocks away from dry land.
The mother and children were not hurt in the flood.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Many people report flooding in their homes, street and parks.
And one local business is offering help free of charge.
Kenco is supplying sand and bags for people who need to keep the water away.

Rain lingers....
Rainfall has become a bit lighter and more scattered early this morning....but it looks as though we will continue to experience periods of precipitation...occasionally heavy...through at least mid-day or early afternoon as the weakening upper low now moving into SW Arkansas lifts northeastward. As of 4:00 a.m. the KFVS rain gauge has recorded 12.90 inches of rain with this event.
Flood Watches are mostly due to expire at 7:00 a.m.....unless they are extended.
Otherwise today will be a chilly and blustery day..with stiff north winds and temps held in the 40s and low 50s...though things may start to improve by evening as the system moves off to the northeast.