Millions at risk as flood threat expands from Nebraska to Florida Panhandle amid tropical downpours
Already saturated soils will compound the flood threat Wednesday, with a Level 2 risk from Nebraska to the Florida Panhandle.
Summer storms spark 1,000-mile flood threat across Central, Southern US
The daily flood threats continue across the Central and Southern US Wednesday, spanning 1,000 miles from Nebraska to western Florida. Flood Watches have been issued for portions of the region, with already saturated soils compounding the threat. Full Forecast:
Summer is off to a soggy start for millions of Americans across the Central and Southern U.S., putting a damper on outdoor plans and beach trips.
Lingering tropical moisture is fueling downpours across the region through Friday morning, prompting daily flood threats to millions, with the highest flood risk on Wednesday.
SUMMER BUMMER: RAIN TO IMPACT MILLIONS IN THE NORTHEAST RIGHT AS OFFICIAL START TO SUMMER BEGINS
This comes after Tuesday's Flash Flood Emergency across a rural portion of southwestern Oklahoma.
Over 3 inches of rain were reported in just an hour, which led to water rescues and reports of flooded streets.
Into the day on Wednesday, the risk for flash flooding will expand from the Central Plains down into the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Alabama.
According to the FOX Firecast Center, northwesterly flow is expected to remain north of the high pressure centered over western Texas, allowing for the active pattern from the Front Range through the Mid-South to remain.
Organized storms will begin to shift further southeast into the central Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle through the afternoon.
Combined with already saturated soils, a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk extends from Nebraska to far western Florida.
Along with that, the threat for flash flooding will persist into the day on Thursday across Kansas and Missouri, where another Level 2 flash flood risk has been issued.
KNOW YOUR FLOOD TERMINOLOGY: WHAT FLOOD WATCHES, WARNINGS AND EMERGENCIES REALLY MEAN
FILE: Heavy flooding cause the drowning of chickens in Mississippi
TRAGIC: Due to persistent heavy rain in Mississippi, which has resulted in heavy flooding, a resident's chickens in a backyard drowned.
By Friday, widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected from western Kansas through Missouri and Illinois, with heavier amounts of 2 to 3 inches likely in eastern Kansas and central portions of the region.
Localized spots could even exceed 5 inches.
SEVERE STORMS AND POSSIBLE TORNADOES THREATEN THE PLAINS BEFORE INVADING THE MIDWEST AND EAST
Additionally, despite persistent rainfall and the risk of flooding, some communities untouched by the deluge welcome it amid ongoing exceptional drought conditions in states like Arkansas.
MILLIONS AT RISK AS HISTORIC FLASH FLOODING CONTINUES ACROSS THE SOUTH WITH MORE RAIN LOOMING
Check back for more updates as we continue to track the severity of these long-term severe storms.