Rounds of rain to douse southern US into the weekend as rivers keep rising
Millions of gallons of water were released at the Wilson Dam in Florence, Alabama, after days of heavy rainfall drenched the area, increasing water levels in Wilson Lake.
The welcome break in wet weather across the flood-weary southern United States will come to an end as downpours increase into the weekend.
Through midweek, the bulk of the downpours were generally contained south of the areas hit by recent flooding and severe weather. Stormy weather spread northward through the lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys beyond midweek.
The Cairo Ohio River Bridge, which connects Kentucky and Illinois, was closed last Friday due to flooding, according to the Associated Press. The bridge is expected to remain closed until at least March 6.
The Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois, is forecast by National Weather Service hydrologists to remain at major flood stage through the end of next week.
A few systems will continue to produce rounds of rain along the Gulf of Mexico states into the first weekend of March, according to AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.
“This will make it hard to plan for outdoor activities,” Pastelok added.
A more potent system containing widespread downpours is expected to sweep through over the weekend, especially on Sunday. This second system can bring a higher risk of new or worsening flooding problems.
These rounds of rain will generally spare the Ohio River Valley.
“Areas from northern Louisiana to Kentucky and the southern Appalachian Mountains are highly susceptible to new flooding following this excessively wet February,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.
With a total of 13.47 inches, last month was the wettest February on record at Nashville, Tennessee, and the city’s seventh all-time wettest month.
A February rainfall record was also set at Huntsville, Alabama, with 12.68 inches.
Three weather-related deaths have been reported in Tennessee after flooding this past weekend, according to WTVF.
The Mississippi River, south of the confluence with the Ohio River, is expected to keep rising through at least the first full week in March as water drains downstream.
Even if the upcoming rounds of rain fail to trigger new or worsening flooding problems, disruptions to travel and outdoor plans are anticipated.
Motorists should anticipate slower travel on the highways, as well as reduced visibility from the downpours and blowing spray from other vehicles.
Pastelok is concerned about another storm bringing a heightened risk of heavy rain and flooding to the Tennessee Valley and Gulf states sometime between March 8 and 12.
Download the free AccuWeather app to see exactly when rain can dampen your area, and to receive the latest flood alerts.
