Slow-Moving Storm System to Deliver Rain to Much of Northern U.S.

Posted: September 12, 2022 1:10 pm

A slow-moving storm system is tracking across the northern tier of the U.S., raising the risk of flooding to areas that have seen a significant amount of rain over the last few weeks. The rain is also forecast to inundate parts of the nation that have been experiencing drought conditions. Drought-stricken areas also need to be on alert for flooding as the dry ground tends to have a difficult time absorbing mass amounts of rain.

Much of Northern U.S. Under Drought Designation

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, there are numerous areas of the U.S. stretching from the Midwest to New England that are still under drought conditions. A large portion of Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New York are dealing with what is defined as abnormally dry conditions.

Even worse, some parts of central Michigan and the central tier of New England are under the designation of a moderate or severe drought. These areas are more likely to see flooding if the ground cannot absorb the quickly falling precipitation because of the dryness that is pervasive throughout the region.

It is the opposite problem with parts of the northern U.S. that have seen immense moisture as of late. This includes the city of Providence, Rhode Island, an area that measured over 3 inches of rain over the first week of September. This amount is almost the average amount of rain that typically falls over the entire month. Because the ground is already so saturated, forecasters warn that the region is at a higher risk of flooding should this weather maker transpire as predicted.

Rain Fired Up Over the Weekend, Triggering Flooding in Chicago

The rain from this system got its start on Saturday, creating a mess for many college football games in the nation’s heartland. By Sunday, the rain had moved into Chicago, triggering a massive flooding event for the Windy City.

Most of Chicago’s Cook County came under a flash flood warning on Sunday as the rain began to fall during the morning hours. A Metra line experienced stalled cars when at least 2 feet of water pooled under the transport system.

It was a messy game at Soldier Field as the Chicago Bears hosted the San Francisco 49ers. Stadium crew had to use equipment to get rid of excess water pooling on the field right up until kickoff. The rain was the heaviest as the game was wrapping and spectators were trying to exit the stadium.

Wet Start to Work Week

The heavy rain is forecast to continue into Tuesday thanks to the storm system stalling over the region. Because of its lack of movement, the same areas will be drenched with the heavy rain over and over. Areas that need to be ready for a messy Monday include much of Michigan, Wisconsin, and the central portions of Illinois and Indiana.

Travel may be impacted through Tuesday, particularly along some parts of interstates 80, 90, and 94. Motorists should be prepared for reduced visibility during periods of heavy rain. Low-lying secondary roads will also be susceptible to ponding. Lastly, some of the nation’s busiest airports, including Chicago O’hare, may see flight delays when the heaviest rain moves through.

The highest concentration of heavy rain will be felt in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Some areas may see as much as 6 inches of rain out of this system.

Although the rain wreaked havoc in Chicago, the city could certainly use the moisture. This is the first measurable rainfall of the month for this city along Lake Michigan. While it may be a pain to deal with in the short team, it is good news for an area looking to prevent the drought from worsening.

After the wet weather exits late Monday and into Tuesday, the Great Lakes and the Midwest will see a brief period of cooler temperatures. However, the mercury will be on the upswing again by later in the week.

Looking Ahead to Tuesday

The storm system is forecast to advance on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain to the Northeast and New England. The rain is predicted to stick around throughout much of upstate New York and beyond with Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont being in the primary impact zone of Tuesday’s wet weather.

In addition to the system crawling along, another surge of moisture is forecast to come up from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Some areas may see rainfall totals of up to 1 inch.

The persistent precipitation and heavy cloud cover will come with cooler temperature readings. For instance, the mercury will not likely climb above 70 degrees on Tuesday throughout upstate New York and into New York City. Widespread readings of about 10 degrees below normal for this time of the year will be the norm in the Northeast.

New England will remain relatively seasonable with its temperature readings until Wednesday or Thursday when the cool air mass finally reaches this corner of the country. Just as New England is cooling down, the temperatures will begin to climb back to normal levels farther to the south in cities such as Philadelphia and Baltimore.

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

Recent Posts