The storm will hit states that have already received a lot of rain, boosting the potential for flooding. (Credit: Francesco de Marco/Adobe Stock)
Moisture from a tropical storm could drench multiple states this weekend, potentially causing flash flooding, according to AccuWeather.
A tropical rainstorm off the Gulf Coast will hit Louisiana and southern Mississippi first. Areas south and west of New Orleans could see four to eight inches of rainfall.
It will then move north, where it will interact with a stalled front. This will bring heavy rain and potential flooding to the Midwest and the Appalachians this weekend and early next week.
About two to four inches of rainfall are expected in the Chicago, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh metro areas, as well as in Iowa and the Appalachians. Pockets of heavier rain — four to eight inches — are also possible in some areas.
“This major rainmaker could trigger dangerous flash flooding from Louisiana and Mississippi all the way to the Ohio Valley and Appalachians through the weekend,” said Alex DaSilva. AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, in a statement. “We’re increasingly concerned about the risk of flooding through the weekend as the moisture from this tropical rainstorm surges northward.”
Some of the areas the storm will hit have already been saturated by previous storms, boosting the potential for flash flooding, AccuWeather said.
“People should be prepared to move to higher ground if they receive a flash flood warning, especially in low-lying campgrounds, areas near creeks and streams, and other flood-prone areas,” said Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, in a statement.
Flooding has occurred in several states over the last several weeks, most notably the deadly flooding in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend. Flash flood reports this year are 70% higher than the 10-year historical average, according to AccuWeather.
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