Dangerous Flash Flood Threat Returns as Storms Camp Out Over the South

A train of persistent storms across the southern U.S. is unleashing the threat of flash flooding to start the new week. Read on for the details of this fluid weather situation unfolding across Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Southeast.

Repeated Rounds of Rain Will Raise Flash Flooding Threat Early in the Week

Several waves of heavy rain are going to soak the southern tier of the nation early this week, raising the chance of dangerous flash flooding. The rain maker is being fueled by an influx of tropical moisture coming up from the Gulf and a slow-moving frontal boundary set up over the region.

How wet is it going to be? The latest forecast models are predicting widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches through Tuesday across much of Texas, southern Oklahoma, and into the Southeast. Communities that experience repeated storm activity could see up to 6 inches of rain during this time period.

Forecasters are warning that two specific flood threats will develop over the next few days. The first area of concern will set up across portions of the Carolinas, the northeastern corner of Georgia, and the higher elevations of eastern Tennessee. A second area of concern extends from the southeastern edge of Texas to the east into southern Mississippi.

As is typical with these types of storm systems, the slow-moving nature of the rain means that several inches of moisture could fall in a short period of time. The highest risk of flash flooding will be in urban areas and along small streams and creeks. Residents in flood-prone areas should pay close attention to their local forecast this week.

The natural heating of the day will support the development of gusty thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening hours. While this will not be a widespread wind event, there is a chance that microgusts generated by the storms could be powerful enough to bring down trees and power lines.

Flood Threat Elevated in West Texas Through Thursday

Heading into the middle of the week, the greatest threat of flooding will be across West Texas. The Rio Grande River's Big Bend region will be in the bullseye of the heavy rain. The expectation of up to 15 inches of rain has prompted forecasters to assign a Level 3 flood threat to this part of the Lone Star State.

Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 4 inches are in the forecast for the bulk of central and southwestern Texas. A stretch of the Interstate 10 corridor through this region will see 4 to 8 inches of rain out of this system, with a possibility of well over a foot over three days.

The persistent stream of precipitation will combine with the hard soil and rugged terrain of the Big Bend region to support the development of rapid runoff and flash flooding. Motorists should exercise extreme caution with low water crossings.

Not all of the news is bad. The rain will provide much-needed relief from the drought for the southeastern U.S. According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, severe to extreme drought conditions linger in many areas of the Southeast. For instance, cities such as Charleston and Greensboro have only picked up about 60% of their historical average rainfall dating back to the beginning of the year.

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