Southeast Braces for Heavy Rain and Rising Flood Risk This Weekend

Millions of people living throughout Southeast are bracing for a wet October start that brings heavy rain and a rising flood danger. The most significant rainfall through Monday hits Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and spills into the Carolinas. There, widespread totals between 2 to 3 inches of water are expected. A washout looms over parts of the South and Gulf Coast states this weekend. This setup prompts an increased flash flood risk for Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi through Saturday.

The rain began on Friday in the South. By Saturday, moisture pushed north from the Gulf by upper-level energy over the western Gulf moves into the region. As that water surges north, it crashes into a wall of high pressure, creating another dynamic storm event. The FOX Forecast Center says the highest totals occur where you are closest to the Gulf. Along southern Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi coasts extending into the Florida Panhandle, 3 to 5 inches or more is most likely. A level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat is active on Saturday in that zone.

By Sunday, the flood danger shifts east and stretches much further north into Georgia as well as the Carolinas. The entire state of Alabama and most of Mississippi fall inside a level 2 out of 4 threat. It looks grim, but there is some relief in these forecasts. Most of this region is currently facing drought conditions. Louisiana has seen a 5% increase in drought since last week at this same time. Cities like Shreveport sit over 3 inches below their September average and are heading into October on the wrong side of the scale.

(FOX Weather) By Sunday, a weak area of low pressure develops along the Mid-Atlantic and moves up the East Coast. This disturbed weather allows for a few rain showers to develop across the region, making another gloomy day for millions. Rain totals will be very light in these areas though. After Sunday, temperatures drop well below average, effectively ending the taste of summer across the East coast.