Plains to Midwest: Repeating Thunderstorms Could Cause Flooding
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Thunderstorms will continue targeting a corridor from the southern High Plains into the Ohio Valley over the next few days. Flash flooding will remain the biggest concern with the thunderstorms, though a few could also become severe and cause damage.
Through early tonight, this threat for severe thunderstorms will be greatest on the southern Plains.
Flash Flood Threat through Tuesday
As has been the case over the past week or so, storm systems crossing the eastern two-thirds of the country will continue taking a track from the southern Plains to the Lower Great Lakes region through Tuesday.
Each storm that follows this path over the next couple of days will spark new rounds of thunderstorms across areas from western Texas to southern Nebraska and into the Ohio Valley region.
Very humid air flowing northward into these areas from the Gulf of Mexico will provide plenty of fuel for the thunderstorms, allowing them to dump rainfall on the order of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
With multiple rounds of such heavy thunderstorms hitting the same areas over the next few days, the risk of flash flooding will increase. Roads, farmland and perhaps even basements of homes could become flooded in some communities. Low-lying areas, especially those near streams and small rivers, will be most susceptible.
Cities potentially at risk include Lubbock, Texas, Oklahoma city, Kansas City, Omaha, Neb., St. Louis, Indianapolis and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Flash flooding was under way Sunday morning across parts of Kansas and Nebraska after thunderstorms unleashed 2 to 4 inches of rain overnight. The ground across much of this region was already saturated by previous rounds of thunderstorms over the past week, making it easy for Saturday night's thunderstorms to cause flooding.
Even where flash flooding does not occur, travel will be disrupted by the downpours. Motorists should be prepared for low visibility and slow traffic at times. Airport delays could also result.
Remember never attempt to drive across a road covered with water as doing so can put your life at risk.
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Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 100° | Wink, TX |
| Low | 29° | Mullan Pass, ID |
| Precip | 1.17" | Chapel Hill, NC |
WeatherWhys®
People need to pay close attention to the UV index during this time of year. On a sunny day late in the spring and into the summer, the UV is usually at least an 8, which is very high. Readings over 11 are considered extreme values in which only 10 minutes of full exposure to the sun will produce a sunburn.
This Day In Weather History
New Hampshire (1814)
A tornado crossed Merrimac, Litchfield, Londonderry and North Chester. The same storm produced hailstones that had an 11-inch circumference and weighed 1/2 pound.
Northeast (1989)
More rain in an already wet month. Monthly totals topped 11 inches at New York City, 9 inches at Bridgeport, Conn., and 8 inches at Baltimore (all three totals set records for May).
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