As January draws to a close, a powerful storm system will bring heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and a risk of flooding across the southern United States. Just days after a rare snowfall blanketed some areas of the region, a new weather event will deliver moisture and potential hazards, including severe weather and flooding risks.
The storm, which initially brought beneficial rainfall to Southern California earlier in the week, is now gathering strength and moisture over the southern Plains. By Wednesday night, it will be moving eastward toward the Atlantic coast, affecting cities from Texas to the Carolinas. Though some pockets of wintry weather will affect areas like Denver and parts of the Midwest, the most severe impacts will be felt across the South.
The weather will begin to deteriorate Wednesday evening as thunderstorms develop across Texas and Oklahoma. While rain showers will begin earlier in the day, the risk for severe weather will intensify after nightfall. According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys, “Thunderstorms that erupt Wednesday night will have the capability of producing hail, flooding downpours, and locally damaging wind gusts.”
For cities like Dallas-Fort Worth, severe weather could arrive just in time for the Thursday morning commute. Areas along Interstate 20 and 10 will see storm activity intensify through Thursday, with cities like Houston, Little Rock, and Shreveport at heightened risk for dangerous weather. The main hazards will include damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rainfall.
Roys also pointed out that the risk of isolated tornadoes may increase on Thursday, due to increased atmospheric rotation. As the storm system moves eastward, the Carolinas and Florida Panhandle may experience strong winds and localized flooding.
In addition to severe weather, flooding rain will be a major threat across a wide swath of the South. Heavy downpours could lead to dangerous flooding conditions, especially in areas that have already been saturated by earlier storms. Regions from northeastern Texas to southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and western Tennessee will be the most vulnerable to flash floods and standing water.
Rainfall totals could range from 1 to 2 inches in many areas, but some locations, such as Dallas and parts of Tennessee, may see totals climb as high as 4 inches. According to AccuWeather’s Local StormMax™ predictions, some areas may even receive up to 7 inches of rain, significantly increasing the flood risk.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution, as heavy rain and poor visibility will create hazardous driving conditions. Drivers should remain aware of the potential for hydroplaning and should avoid flooded roadways.
Fortunately, once this storm system moves out, residents across the South can look forward to several days of dry weather to start February. The storm will leave behind a trail of severe weather, but conditions will improve quickly, offering some respite after the intense end to January.
