Counties across the tri-state area of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin have been witnessing heavy rainfall for the past several hours and in some cases for the past days which consequently has led to flooding impacting cities and towns. Maps and Videos are provided below.

The areas that witnessed the heaviest downfall in this Upper Midwest region for the past three days are central and southern Minnesota,northern Iowa, and western and central Wisconsin  as reported by the Weather Channel. There were some pockets in these areas alone that saw the downpour amount 3 to 14 inches and in the case ofIowa, residents are bracing for more rain.

National Weather Service Issues Public Alert for Central Iowa

The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Watch public alert for Central Iowa which will remain active for the next three hours - between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. local time, Friday morning Sept. 23, 2016. The main points of the alert are as follows:

Flash Flood Watch Remains in Effect.

The Flash Flood Watch continues for: Portions of central Iowa, North Central Iowa, Northeast Iowa, northwest Iowa and west central Iowa, including the following areas, in central Iowa, Boone, Grundy. Hamilton, Hardin, Marshall, story, Tama and Webster. In North Central Iowa, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Franklin. Hancock, Humboldt, Kossuth, Winnebago, worth and Wright. In Northeast Iowa, Black Hawk and Bremer. In northwest Iowa. Emmet, Palo Alto and Pocahontas. In West Central Iowa. Calhoun and Greene.

The potential for additional Heavy Rain persist this morning with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour in any storms. Given the recent rainfall across portions of Central Iowa. The threat for Flash Flooding remains high through the morning but will begin to diminish later today as the focus for storm development shifts northward.

Areas that have already seen very heavy rains may see flooding exacerbated by additional rainfall. In addition, higher flood crests may occur on area rivers with any heavy rains.

Central Iowa Flooding Maps: Greene, Clarksville, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids

Residents from the towns of Greene and Clarksville were forced to evacuate on Thursday as the Shell Rock River's water level increased and caused the deluge, USA Today reported. Cedar Falls was also struck with major flooding while the town of Waterloo prepares to receive more rain. Waterloo is currently in an Action Stage.

Cedar Rapids on the other hand has witnessed moderate flooding due to the Cedar River water jumping the banks but more flooding is expected through Tuesday of next week. According to the same report by USA Today, "the Cedar River is expected to crest at 24.1 feet in Cedar Rapids early Tuesday morning. That's 12 feet above flood stage and second only to the record 31.12-foot crest eight years ago." The legend of the following map from the Iowa Flood Center suggests more detail:

This is the pattern of rainfall in the area for the past few hours. You can see how the downfall is moving eastward. Rains are expected to continue through next week.

Video of Rainfall Movement and Pattern Across Iowa