A 'Triple Threat' of Moisture Brings Life-Threatening Flooding This Week
A significant flooding event is brewing across the southwestern and central portions of the U.S. as the remnants of two hurricanes from the Pacific join forces with a non-tropical event coming in from the West. Here is a look at who is going to get caught up in the crosshairs of this deluge and when to expect the impacts.
Two Recent Hurricanes Enhancing Rainfall Totals in the Southwest
A triple flooding threat is unfolding across a large swath of the Southwest and beyond this week, coming just days after the region experienced heavy rain. The first round of moisture fired up late Monday as what was once Hurricane Odalys made its way into the Desert Southwest.
The bulk of this storm's remnants are impacting portions of Arizona, New Mexico, southern Utah, and the southwestern corner of Colorado. Falling temperatures in the higher terrain of the interior West could support the development of the season's first snowflakes.
The rain coverage and intensity will increase on Tuesday as what is left of Hurricane Polo, currently over northwestern Mexico, connects with a southward plunge in the jet stream pushing in from the West Coast. While Polo will disintegrate as it moves over the rugged terrain of northern Mexico, the lingering energy and moisture will still be potent enough to amplify rainfall totals in the Southwest and the Plains.
This is shaping up to be a long-lasting rainfall event with the moisture machine persisting through Friday across a large swath of the Southwest, the south-central U.S., and the Plains. Two separate zones within this region are expecting widespread rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches. Pockets of locally higher amounts are a possibility in areas where thunderstorms and associated rain bands stall.
Residents in the impact zone will want to be prepared for travel disruptions. The extensive drought as of late across much of the southern U.S. means that soil is less permeable. Dry and compacted soil is at an inherently higher risk of rapid runoff during times of heavy rain. Top rainfall rates are forecast to hit 2 to 3 inches per hour during the peak of the activity, laying the groundwork for the potential of life-threatening flooding.
Gusty Storms on Tap for the Nation's Midsection on Wednesday
Tuesday's forecast is calling for a zone of rain and thunderstorms stretching from Arizona and New Mexico to the northeast and into Minnesota. Most of the rain will begin to creep out of the Four Corners region on Wednesday, focusing on eastern Texas and the Plains.
Flooding will not be the only hazard associated with this volatile weather maker. Forecasters are also warning that some of the thunderstorms on Wednesday could pack severe wind gusts. The strongest winds are predicted to set up over an area from southwestern Texas and up into central Kansas, ranging from 50 to 60 mph in the most volatile storm cells.
The gusty thunderstorms are forecast to reach their peak on Wednesday evening. Potential impacts include wind damage to homes and businesses, road closures, flash flooding, and crop destruction.
Looking ahead to the end of the work week, more heavy rain and thunderstorm activity will be the story for the south-central U.S. The northern edge of these storms could extend as far as the Midwest and the Great Lakes at times.
Another storm system is forecast to usher in rain for the Southeast and up the coast into the Northeast heading into the weekend. This weather pattern could exacerbate the damage incurred by the recent nor'easter.
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