New round of rain, thunderstorms to drench southern US into Wednesday night
The same storm unleashing snow and ice on its northern tier will soak the southern United States with rain, gusty thunderstorms and localized flooding into Wednesday night.
The risk of flash flooding may be greater with this storm than its weekend predecessor due to the already damp soil. A general 0.50 of an inch to 2 inches fell across the region on Sunday.
At midweek, Tuesday's wet weather will expand north and east into the Southeastern states and southern mid-Atlantic.
Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will enhance rainfall across the South.
The rain may come down at a fast enough rate to trigger urban flooding.
The rainfall will be beneficial to most areas as abnormally dry to drought conditions have become widespread in the region, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
In a few communities, thunderstorms with gusty winds can trigger sporadic tree damage and power outages.
“It does appear there will be just enough ingredients for at least a few damaging wind gusts, flooding and small hail,” AccuWeather Storm Warning Meteorologist Rich Putnam said.
"A couple of brief tornadoes may also spin up with the strongest storms," according to AccuWeather Lead Storm Warning Meteorologist Eddie Walker.
At the very least, motorists on stretches of interstates 10, 20, 40, 55, 65, 75 and 85 should prepare for slow travel, reduced visibility from downpours and blowing spray and a heightened risk of hydroplaning at highway speeds.
Airline delays are possible in Houston, New Orleans; Atlanta; and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Drier air will move into the region on Thursday, but a new storm will likely brew Friday into the weekend and douse the region once again.
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