(Chanhassen, MN) --  A flash flood warning has been extended until 2:30 this afternoon for 17 counties in south-central and southeastern Minnesota.  Meanwhile, a flash flood watch remains in effect through tonight for the southern two-thirds of Minnesota after a big storm system dumped tremendous amounts of rain in the southern part of the state.  Officials are reporting nine-point-eight-two inches fell near South Branch in Watonwan County.  Over seven inches fell at Minnesota Lake in Faribault County, Saint James and Owatonna received six inches and there was more than five inches at Blue Earth and Cannon Falls.  Showers and thunderstorms, some with heavy rainfall, are still in the forecast for today and the Weather Service says severe storms are possible in the south. Meteorologist Lisa Schmit says the rain will clear by tomorrow  morning but clouds will linger through the day.