Weekend Storms Trigger Flash Flooding Across Central U.S.

By early Saturday, many locations throughout Tennessee and Kentucky were bracing for rainfall amounts to hit the double digits. Unfortunately, the rainfall event is only about halfway done. Forecasters are warning that the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys will see at least two more waves of heavy rain late Saturday.

All of the moisture is being driven by a potent atmospheric river that is bringing up tropical moisture from the south. The long-range forecast models indicate that the region could pick up rainfall amounts typically seen over four months in just five days.

Residents living in the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys need to be prepared for the ongoing threat of life-threatening flooding. The flood threat will not be over when the rain stops. The secondary and primary rivers in this zone will be under the gun for moderate to major flooding as the week progresses and the water from smaller streams makes its way into the larger waterways.

Detailed Forecast

The surge of moisture coming up from the Gulf of Mexico will serve as the impetus for the severe weather concerns. This moisture will clash with the energy in the upper levels of the atmosphere to lay the groundwork for the stormy activity.

The highest risk of thunderstorms and tornadoes on Saturday night will be across the north-central portions of Louisiana and up into southeastern Arkansas and western Mississippi. Motorists using stretches of interstates 20, 49, and 55 will want to be aware of this potential. The heavy rain will present risks of ponding on roadways and reduced visibility.

Saturday night will bring another chance of nocturnal tornadoes. The tornadic activity could creep as far north as the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys, compounding the already existing threat of flash flooding.

Sunday's Forecast Calls for More of the Same