The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

The rain is having an impact on area holiday plans, sporting events and conditions on local farms.

The remnants of Hurricane Isaac are both a help and a hindrance.

Boone County farmer John Sam Williamson said rain from Hurricane Isaac is not too little, but is too late.  The drought has ruined most of this year’s crops in Missouri.  Soybeans are having the biggest benefit from Isaac’s rain.  Williamson said a slow and steady rainfall is a welcomed sight after a long, dry summer.

Williamson said, “We need it slow, so it has time to soak in and fill in the cracks and settle the dust and not run off.  If you get four or five inches of rain, I think they were getting five inches an hour in New Orleans, then that’s way too much.  That kind of rain has winds that can blow crops down.”

Williamson said crops need an inch of rain every week.  He’ll take whatever Isaac decides to give him.

The rain is good news for farmers, but not for football fans.  The Missouri Tigers are scheduled to play their first game as a part of the SEC on Saturday night with wet weather in the forecast.  Members of the Mizzou Alumni Association said most Tiger fans know how to prepare for a rainy game and leave their umbrellas at home.

Mizzou Alumni Association Executive Director Todd McCubbin said, “You’re going to want to poncho up and get ready for be ready for whatever comes at you tomorrow night.  The temperatures are going to be fine.  You won’t have to worry about any cold weather or anything like that.  Be ready to get a little wet.  We need people to be out there and be loud.  Wear gold and really enjoy the first game of the year.”

McCubbin said you should allow extra time when going to the Tiger game or anywhere when rain is falling.

Mid-Missouri emergency officials expect very little flash flooding from Isaac’s rains.

Flooding is more likely to happen in our usual low-lying areas.