A severe flash flood threat continues across the Deep South, driven by deep tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico interacting with a stalled cold front. The combination of near-record atmospheric moisture and already saturated soil has created conditions for widespread, potentially catastrophic flooding.
Current Situation
The FOX Forecast Center reports a Level 3 out of 4 flood risk is in effect for Houston, Corpus Christi, and Jackson, Mississippi. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 of 4 Moderate Risk for excessive rainfall across portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
This flood threat zone, which covers over 2.4 million people, includes cities such as:
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Montgomery, Alabama
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- Slidell, Louisiana
- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Mobile, Alabama
Contributing Factors
The flooding is being caused by deep tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with a stalled cold front. This has resulted in slow-moving, repeating thunderstorms.
An upper-level circulation, which includes remnants of former Eastern Pacific Tropical Storm Cristina, is contributing to near-record atmospheric moisture levels.
Soils in the region are already saturated from previous rains, increasing runoff potential. Flood Watches cover South Texas, the middle and upper Texas coasts, Louisiana, and western Mississippi.
Rainfall Measurements
As of Thursday, the following rainfall totals had been recorded:
- Plaucheville, Louisiana: 22.71 inches since Wednesday
- Simmesport, Louisiana: 17.66 inches
- Perkinston, Mississippi: 12.38 inches
- Whites Crossing, Mississippi: 10.51 inches
- Kiln, Mississippi: nearly 10 inches
Impact on Communities
Storm reports indicated flooding in communities along the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coasts, as well as inland areas. Flooding has submerged roads and neighborhoods, prompting emergency water rescues.
Forecast
The FOX Forecast Center reports that deep tropical moisture continues across the Southeast, with the potential for dangerous excessive rainfall on Friday.