As Post-Tropical Storm Arthur transitions, it brings with it the potential for severe and life-threatening floods across the southern United States. Communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are bracing for the impact as relentless rains continue to pour.
The lingering effects of Tropical Storm Arthur are making their presence felt, putting millions at risk of flash floods from Eastern Texas stretching all the way to Georgia.
Authorities have issued a Level 4 out of 4 flash flood warning for Thursday, with the threat scaling down slightly to Level 3 out of 4 by Friday. These warnings highlight the severe rainfall and possible catastrophic flooding expected in the Southeast U.S.
Areas identified as highly vulnerable to flooding include Baton Rouge in Louisiana, Jackson in Mississippi, Montgomery in Alabama, and Atlanta in Georgia.
The FOX Forecast Center notes, “A convergence of moisture from the Pacific and the Gulf is creating a persistent plume over the South, significantly increasing the flood risk across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The most intense rainfall is expected to remain on the storm’s eastern flank as it progresses northward.”
As a result, flood watches are in effect across most of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
The flooding has already claimed the life of a 15-year-old in Texas, who drowned in a flooded pond.Â
A massive multi-unit search was coordinated, with boats and specialized diving teams deployed.Â
Following an extensive search and the use of sonar technology, the teenager was located submerged in the water and pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Overall, widespread rainfall could total 5 to 8 inches across Southern Texas to Alabama, with 8 to 12 inches possible in portions of Louisiana, which could result in deadly flash flooding.
Outside of the flash flood risk, there is a lingering Level 2 out of 5 severe storm threat across coastal Mississippi and into Southern Alabama, where tornadoes are possible.
As the remnants of Arthur move toward the Carolinas, rounds of persistent rain will kick off on Thursday and last well into Friday, but there is uncertainty about when exactly the heaviest rain will fall.
As this mid-level spin moves offshore, it will hover over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.
At this point on Friday, a new area of low pressure could form, bringing gusty winds and heavy rain to coastal regions along the East Coast.
This is unlikely to be a tropical threat, but it is worth monitoring amid potential development in the coming days.