Hefty Downpours Return to South, East Coast

A resilient and dreary weather pattern will persist across much of the South and East Coast through Memorial Day and beyond, leaving many holiday weekend plans in limbo.  

As abundant Atlantic and Gulf moisture spills into the Appalachia and the coastal plains, multiple upper-level disturbances and a barely wavering frontal system will touch off numerous downpours and deep thunderstorms. 

Through the end of Memorial Day, 1 to 3 inches of rainfall are expected across the Gulf coastline through the Southeast and southern Appalachia, as well as separately in parts of New York and southern New England. Locally higher totals up to 5 inches will also be possible in parts of southeastern Louisiana and central Florida. Precipitation will conclude earlier in the Northeast, with a cold front clearing the region by early Memorial Day afternoon. 

Although the rain will largely be welcomed, as most areas have been riddled with drought this year, the sheer amount of liquid will overwhelm the soil moisture capacity. Furthermore, with 2 to 6 inches of rain already saturating the ground from this past week’s precipitation, water will have very limited options to drain away, leading to urban and flash flooding risks through Memorial Day. Streams, creeks, and rivers could rise quickly from excess runoff, while storm drains could be overwhelmed in urban and low-lying, flood-prone areas. Remember, if you approach a flooded roadway, it is best to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” 

A Flood Watch is in effect for southern and eastern Texas, to central and southern Louisiana, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Houston, Galveston, and Beaumont, Texas, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, La., and Gulfport, Miss., are included. 

In the meantime, stray damaging winds will likely be thrown onto the ground beneath thunderstorm clusters in the far Southeast. Additional risks of intense gusts, large hail, and perhaps even a tornado could pair with isolated supercells embedded in the central Plains, where adequate upper-level winds and Gulf moisture have a chance to align in the evening. 

The best way to remain safe is to stay prepared and informed about your local weather. Have a severe weather kit packed with a battery-operated radio, water, and non-perishable food items. Also, check the WeatherBug app frequently for any updates on today's severe weather. Remember, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"