Heavy Rainfall in Southern US Could Possibly Raise Flooding Concerns

August began with wet weather across much of the Gulf Coast, all thanks to relentless showers and thunderstorms.

AccuWeather forecasters reveal that regions farther north will be thoroughly wet through the remaining days of the week, making places moist for outdoor activities and summer vacation plans.

(Photo : Getty Images)

Thunderstorm

During the summer, heat and humidity normally prompt afternoon thunderstorms, but this week they have been more common and in excess than usual, all thanks to a stationary front over the area. With this, thunderstorms can rumble through in both the morning hours and afternoon hours.

Matt Rinde, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist said: "An unusual dip in the jet stream pushed a cold front all the way to the Gulf Coast on Monday and it has since held fairly stationary and will remain so through the end of the week." 

Through the remaining days of the week, there should be less intense rainfall along the central Gulf coast. There is a possibility that the most torrential rain will take place largely offshore, but over the Florida Peninsula is where one exception is predicted to be.

This front also curves northward along the coast of the Carolinas. Rinde said: "The boundary will act as a point of development for showers and thunderstorms each of the next few afternoons."

Also Read: China Flooding Season: Flash-Flood Warning Raised as 4 Rivers Exceed Dangerous Levels

Drenching Rainfall

As a region of low pressure evolves in eastern North Carolina Tuesday and progresses northward, drenching rainfall took place and wet the area. This low was moving gradually and torrential rain persisted through Wednesday morning in the same regions.

Following the movement of the low northward into New England Wednesday night and its continuation on Thursday, yet another storm will form on the front. This may prompt more rain to fall in eastern North Carolina at the weekend and into the weekend.

Merged with the rain fall that has already taken place, an AccuWeather Local StormMax^TM of 12 inches can still occur from the sum of rain from this week into the ending of this week along the North Carolina coast and in portions of northern and central Florida.

(Photo : Getty Images)

Flash Flooding

More than 5 inches of rain has taken place as of Wednesday afternoon in Hatteras and Cherry Point, North Carolina.  For now, rainfall has gotten to 7 inches at Piney Island, North Carolina. Two places - Crystal River and Cross City, Florida, have seen not less than 6 inches of rain from Monday to Wednesday and more is on the way.

Rinde cautioned: "The available moisture and the slow nature of the movement of the storms have made them favorable for drenching rainfall, which could cause localized flash flooding." 

This can surely bring about travel disturbances. Motorists are urged not to drive at a high speed to prevent hydroplaning and to also turn their headlights on if there is rainfall, even during the day.

Related Article: Meteorologists: Parts of Southern US Brace For Torrential Rainfall This Week

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