Elevated Flood Risk as Severe Weather Season Ramps Up

Forecasters have been urging residents in the central U.S. to be prepared for the threat of severe weather this week. Along with the usual impacts of high winds and frequent lightning strikes, this slice of the nation will also be at risk of flash flooding. Read on for the details of this growing threat.

Wet Weather Pattern Amplifies Risk of Flash Flooding in Central U.S.

Several rounds of heavy rain will deliver beneficial moisture to the drought-stricken central U.S. However, the sudden influx of moisture will also increase the threat of flooding in a zone from Texas to the Ohio Valley. Meanwhile, it will be rapidly melting snow and ice that may cause flooding in the Northeast.

A large swath of the nation's heartland has been dealing with expansive drought conditions since last fall. While the wet weather pattern this week will provide some degree of relief to the parched landscape, too much rain too quickly will also raise flooding concerns for many communities.