Torrential downpours to raise flash flood risk in south-central US
Rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms could trigger dangerous flash flooding in parts of the south-central United States through the weekend.
Dashcam footage captured the dramatic moment when a car lost control on a rain-soaked road, narrowly missing parked vehicles before flipping over. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Rounds of rain and thunderstorms will soak the south-central United States through the weekend, raising the risk of flash flooding.
As the flow around a strengthening high-pressure system in the East intensifies into this weekend, Gulf moisture will surge northward into the western Mississippi Valley and Plains, fueling corridors of drenching showers and thunderstorms.
A general 1-4 inches of rain is forecast from Texas to Oklahoma through the weekend. While that amount spread over several days would not typically cause problems, some locations could receive the same amount in just a few hours. Where that occurs, or where localized totals are even higher, the risk of flash flooding will be greatest.
People are urged to never drive through flooded roads and to be especially vigilant along small streams and unprotected rivers. Water levels may rise several feet in a matter of minutes.
During this weekend, the showers and heavy thunderstorms are forecast to focus a bit farther to the east.
As rainfall diminishes across West Texas and New Mexico, showers and thunderstorms will increase over east Texas, the Mississippi Delta region and the central portion of the Gulf Coast.
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Water levels in nearly dry or shallow creeks and rivers can rise rapidly, becoming raging torrents during heavy rain. Downpours do not have to occur directly over a neighborhood, campground or recreation area to trigger flash flooding, as heavy rain falling miles upstream can quickly send floodwaters downstream.
Outside of areas affected by torrential downpours, the rainfall should benefit locations where drought has persisted. This is a critical period for crop development, and adequate soil moisture is essential for strong yields later this summer.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows that large areas of the South Central states continue to experience severe to exceptional precipitation deficits.
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