There is both good news and bad news for the thousands expected to visit Winfield for the 37th Walnut Valley Festival.
The bad news is that a flash flood watch is in effect for Cowley, Sumner, Sedgwick and Butler counties, and on to the northeast of Wichita, until Saturday morning. The good news is that the rains may move east before the festival officially begins next Wednesday.
"The rain we’re getting right now is not associated with Hurricane Ike but the track Ike takes once it gets to land is kind of up in the air," National Weather Service Meteorologist Mary-Beth Schreck said Thursday morning. "That’s going to make a big difference."
Some radar estimates indicate a half-inch to an inch of rain has already fallen today. Schreck expects another half-inch through today with higher amounts in some areas. Overnight, there could be another inch to an inch and a half, she said.
"Through Saturday, it’s possible we could have three to four additional inches of rain – total," Schreck said. "The main thing is to keep an eye on it and be aware of how much rain is falling and what the river is doing.’"
Two rivers affect Cowley County. The Arkansas River flows south through Oxford before it flows on past Ark City into Kaw Lake. The Walnut River affects camping at the Winfield Fairground and flows on south skirting Ark City on its way to Kaw Lake.
Heavy rainfull to the north of Cowley County, and in particular in the Wichita and El Dorado areas, influences the rivers and possible flooding here. The Wichita Public Works Department has called a press conference for 3 p.m. at city hall on flooding preparations.
Current predictions call for the Hurricane Ike to hit the Texas coast south of Galveston Friday night or Saturday. Partial or full evacuations have begun in at least eight counties.
