Heavy Rain and Severe Storms Threaten Plains and Southeast

The good news is that the Plains and the Southeast are going to get a solid shot of much-needed moisture in the coming days. The bad news is that the steady stream of rain will also come with the threat of severe weather impacts and flooding. Here is a closer look at this double-edged sword of a forecast heading into the Memorial Day weekend.

Wet and Stormy Pattern Through the Weekend for Plains and Southeast

Much of the central and southern U.S. is going to be under the gun for frequent rounds of rain and thunderstorms through the early part of next week. The active storm track will threaten Memorial Day weekend travel plans and outdoor activities for millions of Americans.

While the rain is a welcome addition to the forecast in areas of the country that have been dealing with drought, the volume of the precipitation will raise the risk of flash flooding. The highest concentration of flooding downpours is expected in a zone from eastern Texas to the east into the Mississippi Valley. The repeated nature of this rain will result in rainfall totals of up to a foot by the time that the system dissipates.

A broader area of heavy rain, high winds, hail, and isolated tornadoes will put the southern and western Plains at risk through the long weekend. People in this impact zone will want to keep a close eye on the local forecast when making outdoor plans.