Flash Flood Watch Issued as Heavy Rain Moves Across the US Before Holiday Weekend
Flash Flood Watch Issued as Heavy Rain Millions of Americans are being warned to beware of rapidly changing weather conditions as heavy rain sweeps across the US ahead of the holiday weekend, prompting weather officials to issue a Flash Flood Watch. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favourable for flash flooding, but it is not occurring. Several regions could be scuttled by successive rounds of thunderstorms, saturated ground and the potential for heavy rainfall in travel plans and outdoor celebrations. If you will be travelling or spending time outdoors during the holiday weekend, one of the smartest things you can do is keep up with official weather alerts. The National Weather Service continues to monitor the evolving weather pattern and may upgrade watches to Flash Flood Warnings where dangerous flooding becomes imminent or is already occurring.
Heavy rain is possible in parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes, North-east and portions of the South as slow moving thunderstorms may move back and forth over the same areas. Localised rainfall totals could quickly overwhelm drainage systems causing flooding in urban areas, low lying roads, creeks and streams, meteorologists warn. Residents are reminded to check local forecasts frequently as weather conditions can change rapidly.
Latest Update Before the Holiday Weekend
The latest weather outlook shows multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue through the holiday weekend in several parts of the United States. But forecasters warn of the potential for heavy rainfall that could result in flash flooding, especially in areas that are already saturated from significant rainfall over the past few days. In some places, the threat of flooding is made worse by the possibility of severe thunderstorms that could bring damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes.
New York Thunderstorm Warning Issued as Severe Storms Move Across Central and Northern AreasUpdate Date: Latest holiday weekend forecast from the National Weather Service.
Official Website and Weather Alert Information
The National Weather Service is the most reliable source for weather alerts, flood watches, flood warnings, radar maps and forecast updates. Additional forecast discussion and rainfall outlooks are also available from the Weather Prediction Centre and local National Weather Service forecast offices.
- National Weather Service
- Weather Prediction Centre
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Local Emergency Management Agencies, EMAs
Important Instructions During Flash Flood
- Keep an eye on official weather alerts throughout the day.
- Don’t drive on roads that are covered with water, as the depth of the flooding may be deceptive.
- Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, drinking water and essential medicines.
- Keep your cell phone charged and emergency numbers handy.
- If you live in a flood-prone area move valuable possessions to higher ground.
- Do not ignore evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
- If you can, stay indoors during severe thunderstorms.
Understanding Why the Flood Was Issued
A Flash Flood Watch means conditions are favourable for flash flooding. Instead it means the atmospheric conditions are ripe for flash flooding to occur. Meteorologists issue these watches when weather models are forecasting rain to fall at rates that could overwhelm the ground and drainage systems.
This particular weather pattern is a combination of plenty of moisture and slow moving storm systems. Some storms may train repeatedly over the same communities (sometimes called “training”) and rainfall totals can be drastically increased in a few hours. In some parts of the country the ground is already saturated, so more rain can cause dangerous flooding very quickly.
Officials continue to stress the importance of staying on top of weather alerts as conditions can change drastically from county to county. Some communities will receive very little rain and others miles away will be inundated by life threatening flash flooding.
Stay Prepared Throughout the Flash Flood Period
Weather can change quickly, especially during widespread thunderstorm outbreaks. Check official forecasts multiple times a day, and don’t rely solely on social media for updates. The most accurate information for your location comes from your local National Weather Service office and is county specific warnings.
Families planning outdoor events should find safe indoor shelter as storms approach. Extra care is advised if you are camping, walking or near rivers and creeks, as water levels can rise quickly with little warning. A few minutes of preparation today can help improve safety during a sudden flood.
