Relentless storms dump heavy rain on already saturated Midwest, triggering flash flood threats for millions
This rain is set to impact areas that are already nearly half a foot above their year-to-date rainfall averages.
Soaked Midwest braces for more rain as flash flood threats continue
Rainfall coverage increases across the Midwest and Plains on Wednesday, impacting areas that have already seen nearly half a foot above their year-to-date averages as flash flood threats continue. Full forecast:
Heavy rain is plaguing the Plains and Midwest this week, prompting flash flood threats through Thursday morning—a scene the region is all too familiar with this year.
In fact, many locations are already running significantly above average for year-to-date rainfall.
FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE AS UNSTABLE ATMOSPHERE FUELS SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE SOUTHEAST
While showers began on Tuesday, a more heightened flood threat is building into Wednesday as rain coverage increases.
(FOX Weather)
A strong dip in the jet stream moving through the north-central U.S. is helping spawn a surface low and an accompanying cold front that will move through the Plains and Midwest.
Moisture and instability are expected to pool along this front as it slows down by Wednesday afternoon, allowing rain and thunderstorms to develop and move from west to east along the slowing front.
Some locations will experience repeated rounds of rainfall, the FOX Forecast Center said.
(FOX Weather)
As additional rain develops across many of the same areas, a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk is in place, including Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City.
Additionally, a few severe storms capable of producing mainly damaging winds and hail could develop ahead of this front during the afternoon.
(FOX Weather)
Through Thursday, widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are likely from Chicago to Des Moines, with localized amounts exceeding 2 to 3 inches possible across eastern Iowa and far northwestern Illinois.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, peak rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible with any stronger, moisture-rich thunderstorms that develop.
This rain is set to impact areas that are already nearly half a foot above their year-to-date rainfall averages, including Springfield, Illinois, which is over 6 inches above average, and Chicago, which is nearly 5 inches above average.
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest updates.