Water Rescues Launched as Flash Flooding Spreads Across Central U.S.

Several water rescues have been launched in recent days as flash flooding unfolds across portions of the south-central U.S. The problem has become more widespread as the new week gets underway. Here is a look at the rapidly developing situation, as well as a look at what parts of the country are next in line to see the heavy rain.

Flash Flooding and Water Rescues Grip Missouri, Alabama, and Texas

It was a soggy and stormy weekend for Missouri and Kansas. The heavily saturated ground triggered flash flooding incidents as more rain hammered the region over the last few days. Water rescues unfolded early Monday near Joplin, Missouri, when rain came down at a rate of 4 inches per hour.

The southeastern corner of the U.S. was also hit hard by the torrential downpours. A Flash Flood Emergency was issued on Sunday night near Huntsville, Alabama. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed dozens of water rescues were needed as a result of flooded roadways and homes. A neighborhood in Hollywood, Alabama, was partially underwater on Sunday afternoon thanks to the steady stream of moisture.

This part of Alabama has picked up 5 to 9 inches of rain over the last few days. An additional 1 to 3 inches was still expected through Tuesday, and the region is finally beginning to dry out Tuesday, allowing the mercury to also climb to the 90-degree mark.

Rescues were also launched across portions of central Texas as a major flooding event developed over the weekend. Several rainfall gauges hit 8 inches since last Thursday. Flood calls were reported in the counties of Bell, Falls, McLennan, and Milam over the last few days.

Flood Threat Expands as 50 Million Come Under Risk Tuesday