(KLZA)-- The National Weather Service in Omaha has issued a flood warning for the Missouri River at Rulo, affecting Richardson County, Nebraska and Holt County, Missouri. The warning is in effect until Saturday afternoon.

The Missouri River was 16.3 feet at 9:30 a-m Thursday with a crest of near 18 feet forecast for Friday morning.  Flood stage at Rulo is 17 feet.

A flood warning has also been issued for Richardson, Johnson and Pawnee counties until noon today. Emergency Management is reported flooding of small streams and low water crossings across much of Richardson, Pawnee and Johnson counties from heavy rains overnight and early Thursday morning that produced 2 to 3 inch rain with some reports of over 5 inches. 

Among the creeks and rivers included are the South Fork of the Big Nemaha, Long Branch Creek, Deer Creek, the Little Nemaha River, Wolf Creek, Halfbreed Creek and Rock Creek. 

Flash flooding is not expected as streams are expected to rise slowly. All interested parties are encouraged to take necessary precautions immediately.

Rain is likely again tonight and the National Weather Service says abundant moister will likely result in flash flood producing storms, particularly over Southeast Nebraska and extreme Southwest Iowa.  

There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday morning with some locally heavy rainfall possible.  Friday night there is a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with a 30 – 40 percent chance of rain Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday.