The end of week will be strikingly similar to the beginning of the week in the central U.S. with persistent rain storms and severe weather lingering. Here is a look at the rinse and repeat weather pattern that is raising the risk of flash flooding for a large part of the nation's heartland.
Flooding Risk Heightened in the Plains States
The Plains states will be under the threat of more flooding in the days and weeks to come as rain continues to fall over the region at a steady rate, sending rivers beyond their banks. The long-range forecast is calling for more storms to roar through the region well into July. Although flood waters are starting to recede after last week's rain event, the influx of more precipitation will halt the progression of the recession and send water levels even higher.
The active weather pattern will persist across a large area of the northern and central Plains and into the Midwest. Plenty of available moisture will pair with a surge of energy to trigger multiple rounds of rain showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could pack severe impacts, including torrential rain, frequent lightning strikes, high winds, hail, and isolated tornadic activity.
These storm cells are protected to track to the east and the southeast along the northern fringe of the heat dome that has set up over the southern part of the country. Although some communities will see stretches of dry periods at times, the moisture will be steady enough to keep the ground wet and not give small streams and rivers time to recede.
Major to record flooding has been an issue over the last week in an area from northeastern Nebraska, up into southeastern South Dakota, and across to the northern half of Iowa and southern Minnesota. Several rivers in this area have already crested or are expected to do so shortly. The influx of water along these rivers will then filter down into bigger rivers such as the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
It is important to note that river flooding often takes time to develop. For instance, it may take a few days for the flooding to move down into the secondary rivers with the major rivers not likely experiencing the peak of the flooding for weeks. This is why river flooding is known as a slow-moving natural disaster.
The river flooding will be elevated next week as the waterways are not able to recede in time for the next round of moisture to hit. The additional influx of moisture could send the current rising water levels even higher in some areas.