Much-needed rain is expected to continue across drought-stricken parts of the Southeast this week, but forecasters warn it will also raise the risk of flash flooding. Starting June 5, severe weather is also forecast across parts of the central U.S., with storm
For people in the drought-stricken Southeast, the coming week brings a rare trade: relief from dry conditions, paired with a new fear of what the storms could unleash.
AccuWeather meteorologist Geoff Cornish said the much-needed rainfall is expected to continue across the region this week. But that same push of rain will also heighten the risk of flash flooding throughout the Southeast.
The warning doesn’t stop at the coastline. Starting June 5, forecasters say parts of the central United States will be hit with severe weather. Storms there could bring large hail, strong winds, tornadoes, and flooding.
The National Weather Service said the Central Plains and the Middle Mississippi Valley will see scattered thunderstorms through June 6. Storm activity is expected to eventually move into parts of Missouri and Illinois.
The hazards tied to the storms are broad and immediate. The weather service said they include frequent lightning, severe wind gusts, hail, and the threat of tornadoes.
A closer look at weather data south of Omaha and Des Moines suggests what those storms could produce. Forecasters said storms could generate hail larger than 2 inches in diameter and wind gusts greater than 70 mph.
As the week progresses, more rain is expected to keep pressure on flood-prone areas. Showers will drench parts of the Southern Plains and the Lower Mississippi Valley through June 7, bringing more flood risk.
The weather service said the heavy rain is most likely to cause localized flash flooding. Urban areas, roads, small streams, and low-lying areas are described as the most vulnerable.
The sequence of forecasts is stark: rainfall aimed at easing drought is also being flagged as the trigger for flash flooding. while the middle of the country braces for storms with hail and tornado potential beginning June 5. Together, those warnings point to one theme—conditions that can shift quickly from recovery to danger.
thunderstorms heavy rain flood risk flash flooding tornadoes hail severe wind gusts Central Plains Middle Mississippi Valley Missouri Illinois drought-stricken Southeast
So basically rain is good but also gonna mess everything up? Cool cool.
My cousin in Missouri said it’s gonna be tornadoes like all weekend. Like how can it be drought relief AND tornado danger at the same time? Smh.
They keep saying hail bigger than 2 inches but that’s like… not that crazy? Also 70 mph wind sounds like regular storm wind to me. Prob just fear mongering, honestly.
Flash flooding is the part nobody seems to understand. Like people act surprised when roads turn into rivers, but that’s literally what happens with storms. Also central US starting June 5?? I don’t even know my own weather right now lol. If it hits low-lying areas and small streams, that’s gonna be bad for basements and stuff.