Latest on Severe Storm Threat Developing Across South-Central U.S.

A potent storm system ushered in drenching rainfall to millions of Americans across Texas and the rest of the southern Plains on Wednesday. The action is forecast to peak on Thursday, with storms lingering well into Friday in some areas. Here is the latest on what you should expect to close out the work week.

Flash Flooding Concerns Across the Southern Plains Moun

Flash flood warnings are in effect for the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Thursday as heavy rain continues to inundate the metroplex. The most powerful bands of rain set up over the Texas Hill Country on Wednesday, bringing rainfall of up to 3 inches to Kerr County in just a few hours overnight. This is the same part of the state that is still recovering from the deadly floods of July 4.

Severe storms churning through Oklahoma were responsible for hail the size of golf balls outside Tulsa on Wednesday night. The presence of high water brought traffic to a standstill on Interstate 30 in Rockwall, Texas, early Thursday.

The threat of severe storms will spread over Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas on Thursday. Potential impacts with these storm cells include torrential rainfall capable of triggering flash flooding, hail, high winds, and isolated tornadic activity. Although some areas of the southern Plains will certainly benefit from the infusion of moisture, the quick runoff associated with the sudden rain will also raise the risk of street and highway flooding. Rapid rises on small streams are also a hazard to be wary of in the days ahead.

The forecast is calling for a general 1 to 4 inches of rain in the Rio Grande Big Bend region of Texas, to the east of the Mississippi River in Missouri. The greatest rainfall amounts are expected in Texas Hill County. The zone to the northwest of San Antonio should prepare for 4 to 8 inches of rain by the time the moisture machine has turned off.