Flooding eased in Seward on Thursday, but residents were bracing for what could be another rise in the rivers, more washed-out roads and flooded basements as an overnight downpour was predicted.

Residents could expect another 1.5 inches of rain, said meteorologist Andy Brown.

The city got more precipitation in the 24 hours from Tuesday to Wednesday -- 2.35 inches -- than it would in an average July. The additional rainfall is not expected to help matters.

City officials spent Thursday mopping up the mess that had raised Resurrection River to one of its highest levels in recent years and closed off residents who live south of town at Lowell Point. By the afternoon, they had reopened the road to Lowell Point but were warning residents that the respite might not last.

The Resurrection River still may crest over its banks, they said. On Wednesday morning the river rose to almost 4 feet above normal, according to the National Weather Service.

The service has issued a flood advisory for the Kenai Peninsula, and Alaska State Troopers continue to tell hikers and boaters to be careful because of the fast-moving rivers and streams.

At least one hiker was lost for half a day earlier in the week because a raging river kept him from his destination, troopers said.

Alaska Railroad workers also managed on Thursday to begin clearing debris from a rain-induced rockslide on the tracks about 11 miles north of Seward. The track has been closed and the railroad has been busing passengers the 125 miles from Anchorage to Seward. But officials said normal train travel is expected to resume Saturday or Sunday.