A series of winter storms are currently unleashing snow and ice across a vast expanse from the Rockies to the Atlantic coast. In the midst of this wintry onslaught, parts of the south-central and southeastern United States are facing the risk of localized flooding and potentially damaging thunderstorms due to the presence of sufficient warmth and moisture. Over the course of the upcoming week, there is a looming possibility of 5-10 inches of rainfall in regions spanning the lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys as well as the southern Appalachians and Piedmont.
The initial two storms, forecasted to persist into Thursday, could deposit 2-6 inches of rain in certain areas, as advised by AccuWeather meteorologists. These downpours may be intense and prolonged enough to trigger flash flooding in urban spaces, city streets, and poorly drained sections of highways and secondary roads. Notable cities such as Atlanta, New Orleans, Nashville, Charlotte, and Houston could experience urban-style flooding as a result.
Despite intervals of respite between each storm event until early next week, the subsequent storms are anticipated to heighten the risk of rapid runoff into local streams. Regions where infrastructure remains compromised or forests have been decimated following the impact of Helene in late September face the greatest peril of flash flooding and further destruction. During winter, forests offer a diminished buffer against heavy rainfall due to the absence of a leaf canopy, which typically aids in controlling runoff.
Jesse Ferrell, AccuWeather Meteorologist and Social Media Producer, highlighted the vulnerability of the Asheville, North Carolina area to potential damages should the anticipated rainfall materialize. Of particular concern are bridges, roads constructed but not yet finished with temporary asphalt, drainage ditches, and culverts that could sustain harm.
Throughout this week, severe thunderstorms pose a risk with at least two storm systems in play. The initial round is expected to unfold on Tuesday and persist into the night from the upper Texas coast to central Alabama. The primary threat from these thunderstorms, besides flash flooding, will be localized strong wind gusts ranging from 50-60 mph, with a potential peak gust of 70 mph under the AccuWeather Local StormMax™.
As the second storm system gains momentum and traverses from the Plains to the Mississippi Valley on Wednesday, the severe weather outlook will encompass a comparable region as the previous day. Regions from northeastern Texas to a large swath of Louisiana and Mississippi, extending into western and central Alabama, face the risk of powerful wind gusts ranging from 55 to 65 mph, with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ gust of 75 mph, akin to that of a Category 1 hurricane.
Though the setup for tornadoes appears less than optimal on Tuesday and Wednesday, there remains a possibility of isolated spin-up twisters accompanying severe thunderstorms. The forthcoming weekend brings the potential for increased risk of flash flooding and severe weather, including tornadoes, as a storm is projected to
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