The Southern United States is bracing for another bout of severe weather this week, with two significant storms forecasted to move from the Plains to the Southeast coast. This weather activity follows closely on the heels of recent destructive flooding, particularly in eastern Texas, raising concerns among residents and meteorologists alike.
Continuous Rainfall and Flooding Threat
AccuWeather meteorologists have identified the first of the two storms moving in from the Rockies and Southwest, expected to escalate the flood risk as it progresses. The storm is forecast to bring severe weather conditions starting from the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley.
“Expect rounds of heavy rain through Monday, impacting regions like northern Louisiana and eastern Texas, which have already endured severe flooding,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski stated. Eastern Texas has recorded up to 20 inches of rain since the beginning of May, with the upcoming storm likely to add a general 2-4 inches, and localized areas receiving 4-8 inches. The highest predicted rainfall could reach up to 12 inches.
Given the already saturated soil and full banks of rivers and streams, even moderate rainfall could exacerbate flooding issues, leading to small stream and low-lying area flooding, and potentially reversing the receding water levels in secondary rivers.
Escalation of Severe Weather Risks
The accompanying severe thunderstorms are predicted to intensify by Monday, particularly farther east toward the Mississippi Valley. These storms could produce damaging wind gusts, hail, and possible tornadoes. The threat of heavy rain and subsequent flooding is set to extend across Alabama, Georgia, the Florida panhandle, and the Carolinas by Monday and Tuesday.
Recent severe weather in the Tallahassee area, which included fatalities and tornado occurrences, underscores the urgency of preparedness for the new wave of storms, which could hinder ongoing cleanup efforts.
Traffic and Visibility Concerns
“The soggy conditions are expected to impact road visibility and safety, particularly along the Interstate 85 corridor between Atlanta and Charlotte on Tuesday,” Pydynowski added, noting the potential challenges for drivers due to torrential downpours.
Outlook for Later in the Week
As the first storm moves off the East Coast by Wednesday, there is little respite expected before the arrival of the second storm around midweek. This subsequent system will likely affect many of the same areas along the Interstate 10 corridor from Texas to Georgia and Florida from Thursday through early Friday.
“There’s a strong possibility that some locations could accumulate nearly a foot of rain from both storms combined this week,” stated AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. Alongside the renewed flooding risks, there is potential for more strong thunderstorms.
Drought Areas and Missed Opportunities
While the rain is desperately needed in drought-stricken parts of southern Texas and South Florida, forecasts indicate that the heaviest rainfall will likely bypass these regions. The contrast in weather impacts highlights the challenges of managing water resources and preparing for natural disasters in such a large and climatically diverse area.
As the week progresses, residents in the affected regions are advised to stay informed and prepare for the possibility of prolonged and potentially dangerous weather conditions.
