Torrential Downpours Present Flash Flooding Concerns for South-Central U.S.

Torrential rain is targeting a large portion of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, raising the risk of flash flooding dangers. The moisture machine will linger through the end of the week, increasing the threat as the days progress and the rain has a compounding effect. Here is a look at this potentially hazardous forecast for the south-central U.S.

Heavy Rain Could Trigger Flash Flooding Across Parts of the South-Central U.S.

Forecasters are warning that several inches of rain will fall across a zone from central and eastern Texas, up into southeastern Oklahoma, and over into western Arkansas in the days ahead. The heavy rain will impact the busy Interstate 10 and 20 corridors from New Mexico and Texas to Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. In addition to the downpours, the weather maker will also bring the threat of gusty thunderstorms and other severe impacts.

The most powerful thunderstorms are forecast to set up over portions of Texas later in the day on Tuesday and into the overnight hours. Potential impacts include strong winds, hail, and flash flooding. There is also the chance that a long-lived high wind event known as a derecho could form out of the large complex thunderstorms. Even if a derecho does not come to life, the high winds may be potent enough to create regional power outages.

New Storm to Impact South-Central U.S. on Wednesday

Another storm system ejecting out of northern Mexico will move across the south-central U.S. beginning Wednesday and persisting through Friday. The moisture-rich air coming up from the Gulf will further enhance the rainfall and the threat of severe storms during the back half of the work week.

The moisture associated with this storm will produce rainfall amounts of a few inches in just a few hours at times. Rain that falls this quickly will be enough to increase the threat of rapid flooding in urban areas. Water levels will also begin to rise at a fast clip across streams and rivers in a zone from central Texas and into western Arkansas. This threat could extend as far north as the southeastern corner of Oklahoma and as far south as northwestern Louisiana.

The forecast models indicate that the heaviest bands of rain will likely set up along the Interstate 35 corridor in southern Oklahoma and Texas. Major cites under the gun for flash flooding include Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin. Areas that pick up repeated downpours over several days could see the potential of up to a foot of rain on a localized basis.

While the magnitude of this precipitation will certainly cause problems in some areas, other communities in the Lone Star State could use the moisture. Areas to the south and west of Austin are still dealing with drought conditions, making any rainfall a welcome addition to the forecast. That said, too much rain too quickly can trigger flash flooding even in drought-stricken areas.

Local Forecasts in Detail

Now let's take a look at some of the local forecasts in this region. It has been a rocky day of weather already for Dallas. The metroplex was hit by widespread storms on Tuesday with winds out of the southeast at 10 to 15 mph. Highs will top out at about the 80-degree mark before falling to 70 degrees overnight. The rain showers will linger into the overnight hours.

Wednesday will be another wet day in Dallas with up to an inch of rainfall on tap. Winds will once again range between 10 and 15 mph. It will be a bit cooler on Wednesday in Dallas with a forecast high of 77 degrees and lows that slide to the 70-degree barrier. The threat of scattered storm activity will remain in the forecast in this part of Texas through at least Saturday.

The wettest period in Austin is expected overnight Wednesday and Thursday. The capital city is expecting about an inch of accumulation at this time. It will be warmer in this part of the region with highs hovering in the mid to upper 80s through the end of the week. Friday and Saturday could see the mercury reach the low 90s in Austin.

Heading to the east, it will also be unsettled in Shreveport, Louisiana. The western edge of the state will see the chance of scattered storms through next Monday. While the days will not be total washouts, residents will want to check the hourly forecast before making outdoor plans. After experiencing heat in the low 90s on Tuesday, Mother Nature will pull back on the temperatures a bit through Thursday before they start climbing again on Friday.

As noted earlier, parts of southern Oklahoma will also be in the line of fire for these storms. The community of Ada will see the threat of stormy conditions over the next few days. Thursday will be the coolest day of the week with a forecast high of just 77 degrees. Meteorologists are warning that some of the storms could fire up under the cover of darkness, inherently raising the risk to residents who may be sleeping.

Be sure to stay tuned to this fluid forecast if you live in the zone of the potential impact. Flash flooding events can develop quickly, making it important to have a way to be alerted to deteriorating conditions in your local area.

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