Blinding downpours to soak south-central US into Thursday

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather meteorologist

May 31,2017, 10:33:18AM,EDT

 

 Thunderstorms will gather across part of the south-central United States and elevate the risk of blinding downpours and isolated flooding through Thursday.

Parts of Texas that were inundated with heavy rainfall and even flooding over the holiday weekend will experience more rounds of showers and thunderstorms.
A surge of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will aid in the development of widespread thunderstorms.
“A persistent, moisture-rich flow will increase the risk for soaking rain and thunderstorms across Texas into Thursday,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Brown said.
Isolated urban flooding and rises on small streams can also occur.

Rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches will be common, with localized higher amounts. Some of the rain could fall in a matter of hours.
Much of Texas is not in dire need of rainfall, with only isolated patches of abnormally dry to severe drought conditions across the state, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Motorists will need to use extra care on the roadways as parts of interstates 10, 20, 27, 35 and 40 will be lashed by torrential downpours during one or both days.
“Those traveling should turn on their headlights, disable cruise control and reduce speed when they encounter a downpour,” Brown said. “Drivers should also be alert for any standing water on roadways.”
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A few of the heavy thunderstorms could turn locally severe. Damaging winds and large hail will be the most likely occurrence in the strongest storms.
Midland, Abilene, San Angelo, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas, Texas, are all in line for a thorough soaking.
Some of the downpours could reach as far north as Oklahoma City late week.
Despite the widespread nature of the wet weather, some areas will still get missed by the soaking rain.
The stormy pattern is expected to continue right into the first weekend of June, as additional bouts of heavy rain and thunderstorms cross the southern and eastern United States.
"The next surge of tropical moisture is likely to be directed more at the central Gulf Coast and Southeast this weekend, putting these areas at greatest risk for numerous drenching thunderstorms and localized flooding," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said. "However, it is possible that the tropical moisture gets re-directed back into South Texas early next week."