Rainy Forecast Leads To Flood Warning, Delays In Spring Farm Planting
WARSAW — Recent rains and forecast for more precipitation are pushing back the planting season for farmers across much of Indiana and causing concerns about the potential for flooding.
Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused rivers to rise. The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana issued a flood warning on Tuesday, April 30, for several rivers in Northern Indiana, including the Tippecane River, which passes through Kosciusko, Fulton, Marshall and Pulaski counties.
More rain is forecast through Thursday night for Kosciusko County, the weather service predicted. Significant ponding can be seen in many farm fields across the region.
“You can’t plant into a pond. Until we get those soil temperatures increased, until we get a good dry stretch of weather, those ponds are not going to go away,” said Eric Pfeiffer, agriculture content manager for Hoosier Ag Today.
Rainy conditions slowed planting last year in a way similar to what is unfolding this year, Pfeiffer said.
According to Pfeiffer, farmers are getting anxious and are eager to get out there in the fields.
“We’re not seeing a ton of sunshine. We’re not seeing a ton of warm temperatures and that soil is not drying down so folks cannot get out in the field,” Pfeiffer said. “At this point, we are really cautioning them to stay back a little bit, be patient, wait for that window.”
The chance of rain Tuesday night, April 30, is 90 percent. Another strong chance of rain and thunderstorms is predicted for Wednesday and Thursday. The high on Wednesday will be about 73. The high on Thursday will be 69, according to the weather service.
A 30 percent chance of showers is possible early Friday morning. Afterward, some clearing is expected. The high on Friday will be near 63.
Free sand and sandbags are available at the front gate of the Kosciusko County Highway building, 2936 E. Old Road 30, Warsaw. Shovels are not provided at the site.