The Southeast United States is bracing for days of heavy rain and possible flooding, with storms expected to hit the region through midweek. The storms, fueled by tropical moisture, are expected to bring heavy rainfall, causing flash floods and severe weather in parts of the region. Areas still recovering from past storms like Hurricane Helene are at a higher risk of facing more damage.
What’s Happening:
A series of storms will bring repeated rounds of heavy rain to the Southeast, including parts of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana. These storms will continue through Thursday, with the heaviest rainfall expected to fall between Tuesday night and Wednesday. Over the next few days, rainfall totals could reach 5 to 8 inches in some parts of the region. This much rain could cause flash flooding, especially in areas that are already wet or have been affected by previous storms.
Flash Flooding Risk:
The biggest concern is flash flooding, especially in Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The storms are expected to bring heavy downpours, which will lead to fast-moving floods that can be dangerous. These floods can happen quickly, even before people realize the threat.
In Tennessee, parts of the state could get 5 to 8 inches of rain, causing a serious risk of flooding. Western North Carolina, still recovering from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, could see 2 to 5 inches of rain. Even though the rain will bring relief to the region’s drought, it can also make the flooding worse due to the dry soil.
Severe Weather Concerns:
In addition to flooding, the storms could bring severe weather, including tornadoes and strong winds. The risk of severe weather will be highest from Wednesday afternoon to Wednesday night. Louisiana, including New Orleans, Mississippi, and Alabama will be at risk of damaging winds and tornadoes.
The storms are being driven by a dip in the jet stream, which allows tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to mix with colder air, creating conditions for heavy rain and storms. This pattern will repeat for several days, bringing more rain to the same areas.
What to Expect:
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect this week:
- Tuesday: Heavy rain will begin across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The rain will spread to Tennessee by the morning commute. This rain will stay in the same areas for several days, causing the flash flood risk.
- Wednesday: A second round of rain will take over, increasing the flash flood threat. The areas at greatest risk are East Texas, northern Louisiana, northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, and much of Tennessee.
- Thursday: The rain will start to lighten up in some places, but parts of the Southeast could still experience ongoing showers.
Severe Weather in Louisiana and Mississippi:
Aside from the flooding, severe weather will also be a concern. Areas from Louisiana to Mississippi and Alabama are under a Level 1 severe weather risk. This includes the possibility of tornadoes and strong wind gusts. People in these areas should be prepared for storms and follow any safety warnings.
Possible Relief:
While the rain will bring much-needed water to areas in drought, the wet conditions could also trigger mudslides and make travel difficult. However, things should start to dry out by the end of the week. Another storm is expected to develop across the Four Corners region over the weekend, which could bring more weather challenges.
Conclusion:
People living in the Southeast should stay informed and be prepared for ongoing storms and heavy rain. Flash floods can happen quickly, and the threat of severe weather, including tornadoes, is also a concern. It’s important to follow weather alerts and be ready to act if needed. Stay safe and take precautions, especially if you live in areas with a higher risk of flooding.
(Source : foxweather.com)
