Flash Flooding Risk Amplified Throughout Ozark Mountain Region

Those hoping to take advantage of the long Memorial Day weekend with a camping or hiking adventure will need to be careful if headed out to the Ozark Mountains. This popular vacation spot will be at risk of dangerous flash flooding this weekend as the heavy rain continues to train over the region. Here is a look at this soggy forecast.

Heavy Rain Will Trigger Flooding Issues for Ozarks and Tennessee Valley

The zone from the Ozark Mountains and over into the Tennessee Valley will be under the gun for torrential downpours through the holiday weekend, amplifying the threats of flash flooding. Inches of rain are forecast to fall in the coming days with up to a foot of rain possible by the end of the weekend. The primary impact area will expand from southeastern Kansas and eastern Oklahoma and east to the central portions of Tennessee.

The heavy rain will cause the ground to become overly saturated as the weekend progresses. This will lead to intense runoff and sudden rises on streams and other small waterways. Campers gathered in valley areas will be the most at risk of being in the line of fire for potentially life-threatening flooding. It only takes a matter of minutes for small streams to become raging waters when rain is falling at this magnitude.

Local officials are advising campers to avoid setting up their tents in low-lying areas located near small streams. Choosing campsites located on higher ground will provide more protection from the elements.

This part of the country has been inundated with massive amounts of rain since the beginning of April. The area at risk of experiencing flooding activity this week has already picked up 150 to 200% of the historical average of rain through this point in the season. The constant influx of moisture has left the grounds overly saturated, meaning that it will be more difficult for the soil to absorb the latest rounds of rain. The result will be a higher chance of rapid runoff.

How wet has it been? Memphis has recorded over 20 inches of rain dating back to April 1. This number is over 10 times the average for this metro area. Heading to the north, Springfield, Missouri, has picked up nearly 15 inches of rain. The average for this part of southwestern Missouri during this time frame is 8.66 inches.

Low-water crossings should also be approached with caution. These bridges or fords are designed to be safely traversed when water levels are low. Many of these crossings will be impassable this weekend as water levels rise.

Rapid flash flooding in urban areas is another possibility this weekend. This threat will be heightened in areas known for draining poorly. Motorists may also encounter ponding on roadways during times of heavy rainfall. Poor visibility could also impact travel.

Severe thunderstorms are also back in the forecast to the south and the west of the areas expected to see the flooding issues. The long-range forecast models indicate that the chances of flooding rainfall will stretch into the southern Appalachians, potentially impacting the areas still recovering from the wrath of last year's Hurricane Helene.