Days of intense, heavy rain fuel brewing flood threat across Texas through Memorial Day weekend
The FOX Forecast Center warned that in the threat zone, rainfall rates will be high, with 1 to 3 inches falling in a short time.
Flooding rain targets Texas, the South through Memorial Day weekend
Downpours and thunderstorms are taking aim at the South this week, with a main focus over Texas, where upwards of 8 inches of rain is possible through Memorial Day.
Days of heavy rain and thunderstorms are targeting the South, with Texas in the bullseye, for potential flash flooding through Memorial Day.
This multi-day event is driven by moist air from the Gulf of America, which interacts with slow-moving disturbances in the upper atmosphere and a stalled front, fueling thunderstorm activity.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 23: Fog hangs over the Austin skyline as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2025 (Sara Diggins/The Austin American-Statesman / Getty Images)
These thunderstorms are capable of producing intense rainfall rates over the same areas for multiple days, increasing the risk of flooding.
Storms on Tuesday are primarily focused over central Texas, with a level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk in effect for major cities including Houston, Dallas and Austin.
On Wednesday, the threat shifts into southwest Texas, focused over San Angelo.
By Thursday, central Texas, Oklahoma and all of Arkansas are in the threat zone.
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Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi should be on alert for flash flooding, with a level 1 out of 4 flash flood risk for most of the week.
The FOX Forecast Center warned that in these zones, rainfall rates will be high, with 1 to 3 inches falling in a short time.
With pockets of severe to extreme drought across the region, the rain is likely to lead to more flooding because the ground can't soak up all the moisture.
As multiple storm systems move over the region, rain totals will continue to rise.
By Memorial Day, upwards of 5 to 8 inches of rain could be possible.
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FILE - Raindrops on a windshield are seen with a flag that hangs on Carlson Building Supply in TO. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images)
This long-lived event is likely to last into the weekend, disrupting Memorial Day plans for millions across the South.
Stay with FOX Weather as we continue to track the latest forecast.