SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (WITHERS BROADCASTING) — The National Weather Service is reporting that due to widespread showers and storms some significant changes have been made to the forecast for the remainder of today and into Wednesday.

The Heat Advisory has been cancelled for the entire area. There is still a chance of severe storms this afternoon and evening with damaging wind the primary concern other than heavy rainfall, lightning and flooding.

The Flood Watch is now in effect for today and tonight. Ongoing showers and storms over southern Illinois have already produced flooding, so the start time of the watch was moved up. Between the afternoon storms and another round of showers and storms late this evening through the overnight hours, flooding could continue over much of the region.

Area Emergency Management Agencies are asking people to stay home for their safety, but if you must get out, avoid these roadways. Do not try to cross flooded roadways, as your vehicle might become inoperable, and then you will be stuck in hazardous potentially life-threatening conditions. While there aren’t always fast-moving currents over the roadways, do not drive through areas with deep standing water as it can cause your vehicle to stall. It’s not worth ruining your engine by driving through it. Turn around, don’t drown.