A cold front, moving slowly eastward, is set to drench much of the South and Southeast on Friday, providing some protection for the East Coast against direct hits from Hurricane Erin. However, the front could also lead to flash flooding as it progresses.
This front is expected to push towards the Gulf Coast by Friday, interacting with the strong currents left in the wake of Hurricane Erin, which has begun to move away from North America. This interaction will likely increase rainfall amounts across the region.
The Charleston area in South Carolina, extending through southeastern Georgia and over 100 miles of surrounding territory, is facing the biggest flash flood threat.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Forecast Center has classified the area under Level 2 of a four-tier flash flood risk, while the National Weather Service has activated a flood clock to monitor conditions.
By Saturday, storms could intensify, potentially delivering rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour during heavy downpours, with totals ranging from 3 to 5 inches expected by the second half of the day.
Interestingly, while the southeastern Gulf Coast may see a lower risk of flash flooding, total rainfall could still accumulate to 1-2 inches as the front continues to sag southward.
Cold Front Causes Flash Flooding in Virginia
The cold front has already left its mark with significant flooding in the mid-Atlantic region.
Flash floods struck southwestern Virginia and parts of northern North Carolina on Thursday night, with almost five inches of rain observed in just three hours. In Roanoke, Virginia, a staggering 3.39 inches fell in just one hour, leading to a flash flood emergency.
Reports indicate that there were nearly a dozen high water rescues as many streets became submerged and vehicles halted.
According to the National Weather Service, Roanoke’s rain totaled 4.27 inches in only two hours, marking one of the wettest days since 1980.
Some forecasters are suggesting that this could either be a response to an exceptionally rare flood event or just a fraction of what would typically be observed under similar circumstances.
