Tropical Downpours to Bring Drought Relief to Southeast
Tropical downpours will drench the southeast through the weekend. Those with outdoor plans from Texas to Florida should have alternative plans as drenching rains are forecast.
The combination of a weak storm system passing through the Plains and moisture from former Tropical Storm Beatriz will result in blinding downpours across the South and Southeast.
Radar estimated nearly 3 inches has fallen in 1 hour west of Tupelo, MS. Flash Flood Warnings in effect. pic.twitter.com/nox8q3k7im
— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) June 2, 2017
While showers and thunderstorms will be scattered, there will be a few areas of concentrated rainfall– especially between the I-10 and I-20 corridors. These areas will be most at risk for localized flooding this weekend.
There were reports of water rescues from flash floods in the Dallas metro area Friday. Flash flooding also took place in Corpus Christi on Thursday.
Update: Man canoes down flooded #dallas street. #flashflooding @wfaachannel8 Courtesy: Chaz Hawkins pic.twitter.com/hkW2D22mfG
— Marcus Moore (@MarcusMoorewfaa) June 2, 2017
Southerly winds will transport copious amounts of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico allowing ample moisture for storms to utilize. Rainfall rates may exceed 2-3 inches per hour at times leading to urban and poor drainage flooding.
@NWSAmarillo Roads into rivers today. Serious #flashflooding in #Amarillo today. Video coming soon for licensing. @spann #txwx #phwx pic.twitter.com/7MBtpAxSII
— Marcus Diaz (@TheTXWXchaser) June 3, 2017
The rain comes at a good time for drought relief. Much of the southeast is in the midst of some type of drought, especially southeast Florida where there are “extreme” drought conditions. Wildfires have erupted over this region over the last several months due to the abnormally dry conditions. Any amount of rain within the drought-stricken regions will be more beneficial than harmful.
Florida residents can expect a widespread 1-3″ of rain through mid-week with localized amounts of 5-8 inches across the Peninsula.
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Nick Merianos