On Thursday, a significant cross-country storm system started moving eastward from the Four Corners area.
These storms are expected to deliver heavy rainfall to millions along the eastern parts of the Mississippi River, and there’s a risk of severe weather for the central and southern regions of the U.S. Flash flooding could impact the Tennessee Valley by Friday.
Additionally, the Mid-Atlantic Coast and Northeast should brace for the potential of flooding this weekend, as rain is set to arrive on Friday.
Thursday: The first storm kicks off
Heavy rains began early Thursday in parts of Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.
This initial system is forecast to progress into the Midwest throughout the day, drenching areas in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, with rain expected to reach parts of the Ohio Valley by evening.
As this storm arrives in the Midwest on Thursday afternoon, thunderstorms might also develop across the Mississippi River Valley, stretching from St. Louis to Oklahoma City, and extending south to Monroe, Louisiana.
The main concern is damaging winds, but it’s worth noting that short-lived tornadoes could occur if conditions align properly.
Friday: A second storm brings severe weather risks
A cold front tied to the first storm will move into the Deep South on Friday, leading to what could be the week’s most dangerous weather.
The NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has issued a risk rating of Level 2 out of 5 for severe thunderstorms affecting the Lower Mississippi River and Tennessee Valley, impacting areas in West Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana—home to over 8 million residents.
This means cities like Memphis, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana could experience damaging winds, hail, and possibly tornadoes.
A second storm will form Friday in the Four Corners region, traveling from the southern Rockies and bringing rain to many of the same areas that were hit by the first storm in the Midwest, as well as the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys.
Additionally, a Level 2 flash flood threat has been issued for parts of central Tennessee, Mississippi, and northern Alabama, with anticipated rainfall of 2 to 3 inches, and locally up to 5 inches.
Rain from the first storm is set to reach the Northeast and New England Friday morning, affecting places like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.
Weekend: A washout for the East Coast
Rain is anticipated to linger across the Southeast on Saturday morning as the second storm heads toward the Great Lakes region later in the day.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to sweep through much of the Northeast and coastal New England on Saturday.
However, conditions are likely to improve by late Sunday, with most areas drying out by Monday.
