Rounds of Rain to Slow Travel From Texas to Carolinas

By Jordan Root, Meteorologist

March 18,2015; 10:02PM,EDT

 

 

Rounds of rain are set to expand eastward across the South through Thursday and linger along the Gulf coast this weekend.
The rain will lead to travel delays, flooding problems and disruptions to outdoor activities.
"A couple of moisture-rich storm systems will affect much of southern and eastern Texas and farther east across the South through the weekend," said AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Rob Richards.
Those taking to the air or roads could face travel delays as a result of the rain. Low ceiling and visibility, as well as flooding, could hinder travel efforts as moisture is continuously pumped into the region.

That moisture will flow in from the Gulf on southerly winds due to high pressure over the Gulf of Mexico. A stationary front will also be draped across the region which will help aid in the development of rain and thunderstorms.
The main focus of rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday will be across Texas and the lower and middle Mississippi Valleys. Folks from Austin, Texas, to New Orleans over to Jackson, Mississippi, will want to keep umbrellas handy.
Thunderstorms are largely expected to remain below severe criteria, but an isolated strong gust cannot be ruled out.
This storm will push into the Southeast states on Thursday and eventually northward into colder air over the mid-Atlantic states by the end of the week.

Nashville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; Atlanta; Charleston, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina; will face wet roads and slow travel on Thursday.
Most of the rain from this storm will spare the Ohio Valley which has been dealing with major flooding issues this week.
The next storm system will slide into the southern Plains from the Rockies later on Thursday, delivering another drenching round of rain to Oklahoma and Texas.
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The rain will come as good news due to the extreme and exceptional drought that continues to grip portions of Texas and the southern Plains. However, the rain may not be so welcome across eastern Texas and lower Mississippi over the weekend.

Rivers are on the rise across eastern Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley due to high water upstream across the Ohio Valley from recent snow melting and rainstorms.
"Cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Houston can get 2 to 4 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts possible through the weekend," said Richards.
Additional rain from this week into the weekend will only escalate water levels even further. Those in typical flood-prone areas should remain vigilant and respond quickly if evacuation orders are given.
High water will shut down roads that are relied on for daily travel, forcing people to find alternative routes.