Millions across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic face a heightened flood threat this week as persistent heavy rain and severe storms drench the region, meteorologists warn.
A slow-moving front hovering over the Gulf Coast is expected to fuel rounds of thunderstorms and downpours across the Southeast and southern Mid-Atlantic through the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). On the morning of August 6, flood watches were in effect for more than 11 million residents in parts of North Carolina and Georgia.
Adding to the risk is tropical moisture from a disturbance located several hundred miles offshore. While the system had only a 10% chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within 48 hours, the National Hurricane Center noted that its odds increase to 40% over the next seven days. If the system organizes further, it could intensify the rainfall threat along the coastal Southeast.
Since August 4, areas stretching from southwestern Georgia to central North Carolina have already seen 2 to 6 inches of rain, AccuWeather reported. An additional 2 to 4 inches is forecasted to fall on August 6, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding, especially in regions where rivers and streams are already near capacity.
“Persistent heavy rainfall could severely impact transportation and logistics,” AccuWeather said in a statement. “Flooded underpasses, debris-laden roadways, and washed-out rural routes are expected, especially in areas with poor drainage where rainbands linger.”
Cities at elevated flood risk include Raleigh, Greensboro, and Fayetteville in North Carolina, as well as Florence and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, forecasters said.
Stormy Weather Across the Nation
While the Southeast deals with flooding, other parts of the U.S. are bracing for severe storms. The Northern and Central Plains and upper Mississippi Valley are in line for intense thunderstorms, large hail, and damaging winds later in the week, the NWS said. Tornadoes are also a possibility.
By the afternoon of August 8, the Storm Prediction Center expects a cluster of strong to severe storms to sweep across the Dakotas into Minnesota, with hailstones possibly exceeding 2 inches in diameter.
More showers and severe thunderstorms are forecast to stretch from the Great Lakes through the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic and down to the Gulf Coast on August 7.
Extreme Heat and Fire Risk in the West
Meanwhile, the Southwest is grappling with dangerous heat. Over 7 million people in Southern California and Arizona were under excessive heat warnings as of August 6. Parts of New Mexico and Texas were also under heat advisories, with temperatures soaring into the mid-110s.
The NWS advised residents to minimize outdoor activities, stay well-hydrated, and seek out air-conditioned environments to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Fire weather concerns are also mounting across parts of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho, where red flag warnings are in place. Low humidity and gusty winds have created conditions ripe for wildfires, with any new ignition having the potential to spread rapidly, the weather service cautioned. Photo by Anthony Quintano from Mount Laurel, United States, Wikimedia commons.
