Overview
- Forecasters say more than 88 million people across the central United States could be exposed to flooding risk this week as a slow-moving storm brings widespread heavy rain.
- About 20 million people are currently under flood watches issued by local National Weather Service offices that indicate conditions are favorable for flooding.
- Local impacts are already occurring, including a flash-flood emergency near Huntsville, Alabama with stranded motorists, multiple water rescues in Milam County, Texas, and at least one storm-related death and hundreds of downed trees in New York City.
- The Storm Prediction Center and NWS warn storms could produce very large hail, damaging straight-line winds, and isolated tornadoes while some areas may receive 8 to 9 inches of rain in localized totals.
- Because soils are already saturated from recent rain, forecasters say flash flooding and fast-moving water pose the greatest immediate danger and could cause road washouts, infrastructure damage, and more emergency rescues over the coming days.