Storm Systems Drench Southwest, Central U.S.

Central Texas and much of the Central U.S. will contend with a dangerous deluge of rainfall, carrying risks of flooding alongside strong-to-severe thunderstorms. However, a separate alley of drenching showers will take aim at southern California overnight, all while large additions add to the southern Mountain West's snowpack.

Firstly, the cut-off low pressure system that brought anomalous rain totals to the Four Corners region on Wednesday will regather itself east of the Rockies and into the Great Plains. From south-central Texas to southern Nebraska and western Kentucky, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected through the day, and some storms could bring threats of damaging wind gusts, hailstones, and possibly a few tornadoes.

Rain totals in the 1-to-2.5-inch range will be widespread through these corridors before the weekend. However, even loftier totals are expected in parts of central Texas, where 4 to 6 inches or higher are possible! Flood Watches currently cover much of central Texas, as well as for areas just north of Phoenix, held under downpours before the low shifts eastward.

Further west, a second problematic cold front and low pressure system will volley additional rain and mountain snow as it shifts into the West Coast. Southern California will be under the gun for the highest totals in the region once again, with an atmospheric river targeting the area less than a week following its previous notable event. Flash flooding will also be possible in southern California from tonight into Friday. Rain amounts of 0.5 to 2 inches are likely yet again through Saturday morning, with the bulk of precipitation commencing by Friday afternoon.

In between both systems, skiers will rejoice and travelers will groan at increasing snowpack amongst the Mountain West's southern ridges. Snow amounts of 8 to 12 inches or more will likely accumulate in the high ridges of the central Sierra Nevada, while the Rocky Front Range and highest peaks of the southern Mountain West will tackle 4 to 8 inches alongside lesser totals at the mid-elevations. Even parts of the central High Plains will collect up to an inch before the weekend.

Currently, Winter Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Watches are posted for portions of mountainous terrain in southern and eastern California, western Nevada, northern New Mexico, and southwestern Colorado.

It’s never too early to have a supply kit packed in case of inclement weather. A simple kit including a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries, and non-perishable food items will go a long way in the event of a power outage. It’s always best to avoid travel in rough weather as the roads will be dangerous.