Prevented Planting Concerns Grow as Moisture Accumulates

As more and more flooding threats appear across the country on the U.S. Flood Outlook Map, Midwestern states gearing up for planting season have plenty of snow melt and more storms on the horizon. The current potential flood risk is well above normal along the Mississippi River, fueling concerns about possible prevented planting. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s outlook shows a high risk of spring flooding along the Wisconsin and Minnesota border and the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

With planting season’s kick-off a mere three weeks away, moisture-filled forecasts don’t bode well for planting schedules. Snow water equivalent values across the upper Mississippi River were between 5 and 8 inches near the end of March. NOAA says this amount is in the top 10% to 20% of historical records and is the primary driver influencing flooding concerns.

Read more on spring weather and potential prevented planting here.