CEDAR RAPIDS — Forecasters expect minor flooding along the Cedar River in Vinton, Palo and Cedar Rapids this week, upgrading the National Weather Services’ flood watch for the areas to a warning.

“Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the weather service warned. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

The weather service issued a flood warning for Vinton and Palo through Saturday, and placed Cedar Rapids on a flood warning starting Thursday afternoon through the weekend. In each case, forecasters said the flooding is expected to be minor and affecting only low-level land and streets by the Cedar River.

At Vinton, the weather service said the river level Tuesday night was 11.8 feet. Flood stage there begins at 15 feet. Forecasters predict the river at Vinton will crest Thursday night at 15.9 feet. It said the floodwaters, at that level, would affect agricultural land and much of 22nd Avenue Road northwest of Vinton.

At Blairs Ferry Road in Palo, the weather service said the river level was measured at 9.8 feet Tuesday night. Flood stage there is 12.5 feet. Forecasters predict the river will crest there at 13.8 feet Friday evening. When the river reaches 13.5 feet, it said, Chain Bridge Road accessing the boat ramp would be closed.

In Cedar Rapids, the weather service measured the Cedar River at 7.9 feet Tuesday night. Flood stage is at 12 feet. The river was now forecast to rise above flood stage Thursday afternoon and crest at 14.7 feet early Saturday. When the river reaches 9.5 feet, forecasters said, floodwaters affect the lower portions of Otis Road SE.

Earlier this week, Cedar Rapids city officials said they expect several roads will be closed due to the threat but did not expect business or homes to be affected by any flooding. The city said it would update road closures at cedar-rapids.org.

Severe storms moved Tuesday night through the Corridor bringing reports of large hail and tornadoes. The National Weather Service said it received several reports of tornadoes in areas including Ely and Solon. Spotters also reported hail up to 1.75 inches in diameter in North Liberty and Solon.

“There were multiple tornado reports from trained spotters in eastern Iowa, including in the Preston, Ely, Solon, Olin, and Clarence areas,” the weather service reported Tuesday night. “Damage to outbuildings, trees, and crops near Preston and Ely were reported by public safety officials and media.”