Flash Flooding

Flooding continued across the US Midwest and South over the weekend, in storms that have claimed at least 17 lives as of yesterday. Days of severe storms have caused rivers to swell rapidly, prompting the National Weather Service to issue flash flood emergencies from Texas to Ohio. At least 45 river locations in multiple states are expected to reach “major flood stage,” causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and roadways (see map).

The storms followed a week of extreme weather that included deadly tornadoes and more than a foot of rain in some locations. While the regions are prone to severe weather, the duration and intensity of the rainfall have led to saturated soil and swollen rivers. See photos here.

The storms shifted eastward into the Appalachians and Southeast Sunday. Meteorologists warn that river levels will continue to rise in many areas through early this week. However, a shift to drier conditions is expected by midweek for much of the region.