Flooding rain target South, Miss. Valley

Severe storms and flooding rains are headed to the southern tier starting Thursday. An enhanced risk for severe storms and isolated flooding rains are on the menu.

Our Task Force will be active on Thursday to cover the severe weather threat across southeastern Texas. Read more about what to expect if you’re within the risk areas.

Embedded within the severe storm threat are the risks of damaging winds, hail, and most importantly tornadoes. Have at least three ways to receive a weather warning and your app alerts switched on to receive the latest storm information.

The forecast for the heavy rain is still focused on the lower and mid-Mississippi valleys on Thursday with a shift to the central Gulf Coast and Southeast on Friday and Saturday. Marginal risks for excessive rainfall – level one out of four – are issued for all three days, highlighting the chance for isolated flooding.

On Thursday, the heaviest rain is expected from eastern Texas to Louisiana and through southwestern Arkansas. Along this stretch, we can expect 1.50 to 3 inches of rain from Thursday morning to Friday morning at this time, with southwestern Louisiana having a chance to see 4 inches within that 24-hour period.

From Friday morning to Saturday morning, the heavy rainfall shifts to the central Gulf Coast with the heaviest pockets focusing on the Florida Panhandle with 1 to 3 inches in the forecast.

By Saturday, the Southeast, mostly from the central Gulf Coast through Georgia and South Carolina can expect to see totals up to 2 inches of heavy rains before Sunday morning.

Flash flooding is a concern with this much rain over a short period, especially with the current drought status. Keep a close eye on the WeatherRadar and have at least three ways to receive a weather warning.