Severe Storms Threaten Flooding Across Southern U.S.

Houston — The storms hitting the South, Gulf Coast, and parts of Texas are expected to linger through Friday, bringing heavy rain and an increased chance of flooding. Areas like Big Bend and Hill Country in Texas could be particularly hard-hit, as the storms may target the same spots repeatedly.

This flooding concern echoes memories of last July 4, when catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River claimed 135 lives.

Recent flash flooding in southeast Missouri, particularly along the Black River, also highlighted the risk, with emergency officials responding to dangerous conditions over the weekend.

A flash flood emergency was declared for Iron and Reynolds counties in Missouri last Friday, where some regions experienced up to 12 inches of rain in a single morning.

This week’s storm pattern is shaped by a cold front funneling warm, moist air from the Gulf, leading to frequent heavy thunderstorms across Texas and the South.

The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a Level 2 out of 4 warning for flash flooding, stretching from western North Carolina to Big Bend, Texas. This warning encompasses areas in southeastern Virginia, eastern Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, parts of Alabama and Mississippi, most of Louisiana, eastern Oklahoma, and much of west-central Texas, including major cities like New Orleans, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and parts of the Dallas metropolitan area.

The FOX Prediction Center forecasts widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches across the Gulf Coast and central Texas through Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the risk of flooding will mainly shift to the Texas Plains, affecting cities like Austin and San Antonio, while the storms continue to affect the Southeast, including Atlanta and New Orleans.

Midweek Flooding Concerns for Texas Plains

By midweek, up to 8 inches of rain may hit West and Southwest Texas, particularly in the Hill Country.

Locations in the Big Bend region, especially those northwest of San Antonio, face a Level 3 flash flood risk.

The FOX Prediction Center cautioned that flood watches might soon become necessary.

“A significant heat dome over the northern U.S. has pushed a weak storm system to move in a straight path from east to west, reaching the southern plains by midweek,” they noted.

Those planning to visit Big Bend National Park should stay alert for updates and monitor local advisories closely this week.