A powerful storm system is bringing dangerous conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, to a large swathe of the United States, impacting tens of millions of people. The storm, which has already caused deadly flooding in the Southwest, is moving eastward and is expected to affect over 35 states and 120 million individuals by the end of the week.
In Flagstaff, Arizona, a man was found dead on Monday after being swept away by floodwaters over the weekend. This incident highlights the severe threat posed by the storm.
Southwest Experiences Widespread Flooding
The storm initially brought significant rainfall to the Four Corners region, including Arizona, southern Utah, northwestern New Mexico, and southwestern Colorado. Several communities were inundated, with some rivers reaching record-high levels. In response, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency to mobilize state resources. Similar emergency declarations were made in Utah and Colorado, where flooding along the San Juan River led to changes in polling site locations for Election Day. Higher elevations in the Southwest also experienced snowfall, with some mountain passes receiving over a foot of snow.
Plains and Mid-South Face Thunderstorms and Tornado Threat
Severe thunderstorms swept across the Southern Plains on Monday, bringing 60 mph wind gusts to parts of Oklahoma. The storm system is expected to move through the South, carrying the threat of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes across Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama. Heavy rainfall, with localized totals of 2 to 3 inches, is anticipated, increasing the risk of flash flooding. A Level 2 out of 4 flash flood risk was in effect for parts of northern Mississippi and southwestern Tennessee, including Memphis, through Tuesday night. By Wednesday, a Level 1 risk extends to parts of Tennessee and the Ohio Valley.
Midwest Braces for Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds
Heavy rain is forecast to spread across Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin on Tuesday. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph are possible across parts of the Midwest, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions. While widespread severe flooding is not anticipated, localized flooding may occur in cities like Omaha, Des Moines, and Minneapolis. The region is expected to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain, with higher amounts in some areas.
East Coast Anticipates Rain, Ending Dry Spells
The storm is projected to reach the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions by midweek before moving toward the Northeast. Heavy rain is expected to arrive in the Ohio Valley on Wednesday and reach the I-95 corridor by Thursday or Friday. Rainfall totals of over an inch are possible across the Northeast, with localized amounts near 2 inches in areas from central Pennsylvania and Maryland through New York City and southern New England. This rainfall could help alleviate dry conditions in some areas that have experienced extended dry spells, although it may not significantly impact ongoing drought conditions in parts of New England.