Atlanta, New Orleans face flash flood threat as rounds of tropical moisture will drench South
Rain totals when all is said and done across Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia will add up to a widespread 3-5 inches, with locally higher amounts of over 5 inches possible.
Flash flood threat increasing across the South this week
A multiday flash flood threat has millions of people in the South, including those in Atlanta and New Orleans, on alert as rounds of heavy rain push through the region this week.
ATLANTA – A rainy start to the week is triggering the potential for areas of flash flooding for millions across the South, including for those in the Atlanta area.
A large area of high pressure that brought an arctic chill to much of the South and East last week is moving off Florida, and now, ironically, in its wake is set to push a plume of tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico along into the Gulf Coast.
This graphic shows the setup for tropical moisture in the South. (FOX Weather)
That will bring rounds of heavy rain starting Sunday and into Sunday night across the lower Mississippi Valley, with some showers bringing rainfall rates of 2 inches per hour in southern Louisiana.
New Orleans, Atlanta face flash flooding risk Monday, Tuesday
A reinforcing shot of moisture arrives in the South Monday and Tuesday from a storm that soaked the Pacific Northwest over the weekend. Most of the rain will be beneficial amounts, but heavier and persistent showers could trigger flash flooding.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has posted a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk for the central Gulf Coast on Monday, including New Orleans.
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The risk spreads north and east on Tuesday into the Southeast and includes Atlanta and Montgomery, Alabama.
Some of the heaviest rainfall totals could reach 2-5 inches along a stalling front Tuesday.
HERE'S WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR CAR IS FLOODED
Rain totals when all is said and done across Louisiana, Alabama and Georgia will add up to a widespread 3-5 inches, with locally higher amounts of over 5 inches possible.
Aside from the flooding threat, this rain will be beneficial for far southeastern Texas and central Alabama, which are still in severe to extreme drought.