Major Alert Issued by WPC– Severe Flooding Predicted for Texas and Gulf Coast
The already flooded areas of Texas and the Gulf Coast are seriously threatened by flooding. Millions of people could be in peril as strong storms and significant rain are predicted for later this week. The Weather Prediction Centre (WPC) has issued a “nightmare scenario” alert for today’s top stories, indicating significant risks of flash flooding.
Over the past few weeks, relentless rainfall has drenched the region, resulting in double-digit totals between 20 and 30 inches. This saturation has left the ground soaked and rivers swollen, elevating the flood threat to extreme levels. As more heavy rain is anticipated on Thursday and Friday, the situation is set to worsen.
Severe Rainfall and Flooding Expected
According to the WPC, extreme rainfall rates and repeated storms are expected to create severe conditions across the Gulf Coast. The forecast indicates that “significant and considerable flash flooding is likely,” with multiple inches of rain predicted to fall within hours.
A Level 3 out of 4 risk of excessive rainfall, which can trigger flash flooding, has been issued for areas from eastern Texas through Louisiana and into western Mississippi on Thursday. There is also a possibility of this being upgraded to a rare Level 4 of 4 high risk, which would signify the most severe flooding potential. Historically, high-risk days account for over 80% of all flood damage and more than a third of flood-related fatalities in the United States.
Timing and Impact of the Flood Threat
Storms, some potentially severe, are expected to begin Thursday afternoon in parts of Texas. These will move south and east, reaching Louisiana and Mississippi by late Thursday. Rainfall rates in the heaviest storms could reach up to 3 inches per hour.
The most significant flood threat on Thursday comes from storms that “train” over the same areas repeatedly, much like train cars traveling over the same track. This pattern can lead to serious flash flooding, with roadways turning into rivers and small streams overflowing their banks.
As these soaking storms shift eastward on Friday, they will target more of the Gulf Coast. Southern Mississippi and southern Alabama are under a Level 3 out of 4 risk for excessive rainfall on Friday, while a broader area from the Texas-Louisiana border to Florida and Georgia is under a Level 2 out of 4 risk.
Continuing Rainfall and Flooding Risks
Drenching storms from Thursday night will likely persist into Friday morning for parts of the Gulf Coast, causing an initial round of flash flooding. Another bout of heavy rain is expected Friday night, which could significantly worsen any ongoing flooding.
Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 6 inches are expected from Texas to Georgia through Friday night. Areas hit repeatedly by torrential storms might see more than half a foot of rain.
One of the Wettest Years on Record
This upcoming rain adds to what has already been one of the wettest years on record across the Gulf Coast. Some cities in the Southeast have recorded rainfall amounts more than half a foot above the typical levels for this time of year. Dozens of cities from Texas to western Georgia are experiencing one of their top five wettest years to date. Notably, Dallas is experiencing its third-wettest year, while Shreveport, Louisiana, and Jackson, Mississippi, are seeing their second-wettest years.
While excessive rainfall has nearly eradicated dryness and drought conditions along the Gulf Coast, it has come at a significant cost. Earlier this month, nearly 2 feet of rain in five days caused severe flooding in eastern Texas, resulting in numerous rescues and river levels not seen since Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
As the Gulf Coast braces for this severe weather, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential flooding. This latest news update underscores the critical need for vigilance in the face of extreme weather conditions.
This story was originally featured on CNN
