The flash flood and severe weather threat that’s been plaguing the South for days is ramping up, as storms bring a significant wind threat and flash flood risk through Thursday. Storms are expected to continue through at least Saturday.
The South has seen little relief as severe storms and a flash flood threat continue their grip on the region until this weekend.
The active weather pattern began on Monday, with thunderstorms and a flood threat.
A heightened Level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat is now in place Wednesday into Thursday across southern Missouri, Arkansas, parts of western Tennessee and Mississippi.
(FOX Weather)
A Level 1 out of 5 storm threat is in place across a much broader area from Oklahoma to Alabama.
Storms are developing in the afternoon hours as temperatures rise for the day, with damaging winds as the primary concern.
While winds higher in the atmosphere will remain modest, the combination of high storm energy, high moisture and storm reforming into a robust complex will likely increase the threat pockets of damaging wind, the FOX Forecast Center said.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 07: Tourists run to avoid the rain as strong winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Nate begin to come ashore on October 7, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Sean Gardner / Getty Images)
There is no concern for tornadoes in these areas.
Beginning Thursday, the flash flood threat returns and stays through the weekend, with the most significant threats on Thursday and Friday.
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(FOX Weather)
Storms will quiet down during the day, as a leftover stationary front will fire up repeated rounds of thunderstorms and heavy rain.
This typical summertime setup will continue to support the potential for pockets of heavy rain and a Level 2 out of 4 flood threat.
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Major cities included in the Level 2 threat on Thursday include New Orleans, Atlanta and Jackson, Mississippi.
Starting Friday, an area of high pressure will push the cold front that’s producing severe weather in the Northeast into the Southeast.
(FOX Weather)
Friday’s flood threat shifts east, with a Level 2 out of 4 centered over the Carolinas. The front will eventually slow down, which will keep the same areas under a threat for flash flooding all the way through Sunday.
A Level 1 out of 4 flash flood risk stretches across the Southeast from Virginia to Florida and Louisiana on Saturday.
(FOX Weather)
By the end of the week, at least 1 to 3 inches of rain will likely have fallen for most of the Southeast.
The FOX Forecast Center said no one day will be wetter than the other, but it could spoil outdoor weekend plans for millions.
