Illinois, Indiana Brace for Isaac’s Remnants, Heavy Rain

The prospect of heavy rain from what is left of Hurricane Isaac is leading emergency workers across Illinois and Indiana to prepare for the possibility of flooding.

In some places, cancellations are either being announced or considered for Labor Day events like the Cow Chip Class cross country meet in Chrisman in eastern Illinois.

But the season-opening football game at the University of Illinois is on as schedule for mid-day Saturday. Many fans like Thomas Maton of Pana say they will be there no matter what.

School spokesman Kent Brown said there is an evacuation plan just in case but says the field can handle a foot of rain in 24 hours.

Forecasters say Isaac could pour five inches of rain over drought-parched central Illinois between Friday and Monday with heavier totals possible.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Indianapolis residents have gotten sandbags to protect their property from heavy rains expected this weekend from Tropical Storm Isaac.

Department of Public Works supervisor Stephen Brown said cars began lining up for sandbags shortly after the lot opened at 7 a.m. The line stretched at least 100 deep by mid-day, and some drivers waited more than 90 minutes.

Many residents say they are trying to protect property in flood-prone areas.'

National Weather Service meteorologist Marc Dahmer said the latest forecast models call for Isaac's remnants to drop between two and five inches of rain between Friday and Tuesday. Some spots could see higher amounts, and flooding is possible.

Showers from Isaac have already entered the state, but the heaviest storms are forecast for Saturday night and into Sunday.