Heavy Rain Will Increase Flooding Risk Throughout South

Posted: April 5, 2023 9:30 am

Some parts of the Gulf Coast and the South may see up to 6 inches of rain this week, triggering a flash flooding risk throughout the region as a result of the consistent downpours. Here is what you should know if you live in this part of the country.

Moisture-Rich Air Will Clash with Stalled Front to Produce Heavy Rain and Flooding Risk

A stalled front will be responsible for rain that socks in the southern U.S. in the coming days. The rainfall will be amplified by a significant amount of moisture moving up from the Gulf of Mexico to meet up with the front. The heavy rain will begin to fall late Wednesday and is expected to hang on into the weekend, creating a flooding risk for up to 10 states stretching from Texas, along the Gulf Coast, and into North Carolina.

Unfortunately, many areas in the potential impact zone have already seen their fair share of rain since the beginning of spring. For instance, Atlanta has recorded 3.74 inches of rain since the middle of March. This amount equates to 133% of the historical average for this period of time. To the west, Jackson, Mississippi is also well over 100% of its historical average.

Streams and rivers have hit flood stage in some areas of Arkansas due to the moisture of the last several weeks. Eastern Arkansas’ Black River and White River are both dealing with minor to moderate flooding. The good news is that this part of Arkansas will not see the worst of the rain with this upcoming season.

Upcoming Rainfall Predictions

Instead, the heaviest of the rain will fall across southern Texas, up through the Tennessee Valley, and across to western portions of South Carolina. You can expect a widespread 2 – 4 inches of rain in this zone.

Localized amounts of 4 – 8 inches are on tap for the southeastern corner of Texas and northern Louisiana. These storms are forecast to fire up late Wednesday and linger until Friday evening. Cities at risk of experiencing flooded roadways include Houston and College Station.

Areas to the east of this bullseye will see lesser amounts of rain. However, the recent storms across this portion of the U.S. mean that the ground will be more susceptible to flooding risk as it is not able to take on any extra moisture. In addition, the cleanup efforts from last week’s tornadoes and severe weather may be hampered as the new round of heavy rain pushes through the region. Some structures in this part of the south-central U.S. are still covered with tarps due to extensive damage.

Looking Ahead to Thursday

Thunderstorms will be the biggest issue facing those in the Mississippi River Valley and southeastern Texas on Wednesday and Thursday. The line of storms will move to the east into the mid-Atlantic on Thursday, impacting a greater number of Americans.

It will take some time for the storms to get going deeper into the Southeast. Atlanta will start Thursday with cloudy conditions before the storms develop in the afternoon hours. There will be a higher chance of storms in the Peach City on Friday.

The rain will not begin until Friday in areas to the north, including Columbia, South Carolina. Rainfall will total about an inch in the capital city with the pervasive clouds keeping temperatures in the upper 60s.

A number of other major cities will see a soggy few days. This includes New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, Huntsville, Mobile, Pensacola, and Charleston. These storm cells will bring a variety of impacts, including torrential rain, strong winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes.

It could be a dicey weekend for golfers and spectators at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. The first round of golf on Thursday may see scattered storms. The worst of the severe weather for the area surrounding Augusta National Golf Club is likely to happen on Friday and Saturday. Conditions should improve by the final day of action on Easter Sunday. Do not be surprised if play is often interrupted at the hands of inclement weather.

Did you find this content useful? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline for reference later.

Recent Posts