Tennessee Valley and Carolinas Under Threat of Flooding This Weekend

The biggest weather event of the spring season thus far is bearing down on a large portion of the central and southern U.S., threatening widespread severe weather impacts. While some areas will be grappling with damaging winds, large hail, and the chance of tornadoes, Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Carolinas will see the risk of flash flooding. Here is what you need to know about the incoming flooding threat.

Heavy Rain Will Raise Risk of Flooding

Forecasters are growing increasingly worried about the impending severe weather outbreak set to unleash across about 500,000 square miles beginning Friday and lingering through the weekend. A significant portion of the Tennessee Valley and the southern Appalachians will be under the gun for flash flooding with the arrival of a fresh influx of moisture. This is the same corner of the U.S. that was hit with heavy rain about a month ago.

This primary zone of impact is forecast to see the chance of several inches of rain falling over a period of under 24 hours. A similar event happened almost a month ago when rainfall of 2 to 8 inches fell over Kentucky. This heavy rain led to a deadly flash flooding event that left many areas under water for days.

The upcoming weather maker is likely to strike a bit farther to the south, sparing the areas still cleaning up from the February flooding. The forecast is calling for several rivers to experience rapid water rises. Urban flooding will also be a concern, particularly in low-lying areas.

The threat of flooding will push farther to the east as the weekend progresses and the epicenter of the rain also moves in this direction. For instance, some parts of Georgia and the Carolinas may be in the crosshairs of this rain as the weekend comes to a close. This will translate to the risk of flash flooding on Sunday and into Monday for areas closer to the coastline.

Motorists using interstates 81 and 95 from the mid-Atlantic to the northeastern Gulf Coast will want to exercise caution when heading out on the roads. Travel disruptions will be likely thanks to reduced visibility and ponding on roadways.