Deep tropical moisture streaming north from the Gulf is combining with an approaching cold front, setting the stage for widespread showers and thunderstorms from the Gulf Coast into the Southeast. Excessive rainfall will be likely over the next few days. Here is the outlook for Sunday morning. 

Sunday’s greatest flooding concern will focus along portions of the central Gulf Coast, including areas from Louisiana east toward the Florida Panhandle. A tropical wave moving through the Gulf is transporting an unusually moisture-rich air mass toward the coast. Atmospheric moisture levels are expected to reach near-record or record territory for early October in some locations. 

Timing

After all the heavy rain throughout the Southeast on Saturday, more heavy rain is on the way for the rest of the weekend. Here is a look at the latest timing for all the showers and storms. Flooding will continue to be a big weather risk through early next week for these areas.

Rainfall totals of 3 to 6+ inches are possible Saturday near parts of the Gulf Coast, with locally higher amounts. While some locations entered the weekend with relatively dry ground, rainfall of that magnitude could still overwhelm drainage systems and produce pockets of flash flooding, especially in urban and low-lying areas. 

The pattern should begin shifting south by Monday as the front continues moving through the region toward Florida, but flooding concerns will not immediately disappear. Additional heavy rain will continue to be the focus across southeastern Georgia and northern Florida, including areas around Jacksonville. With some locations already receiving significant rainfall over the weekend, additional downpours could cause isolated flooding. 

The unsettled weather will provide beneficial rainfall to some drought-stricken areas of the Southeast, but where rain falls too quickly or repeatedly, the risk of flash flooding will remain a concern through the beginning of the new week. 

The long term forecast keeps the Gulf Coast very soggy into the middle of October. At least the temperatures are cooling off behind these fronts heading into the month of October.Stay tuned to WeatherNation TV for additional details.