Severe storms to raise flood threat in central US into Friday night

By Renee Duff, AccuWeather.com Meteorologist

September 9,2016; 5:05PM,EDT

 

 

Drenching and locally severe thunderstorms will elevate the risk for flash flooding across the central United States into Friday night.
A strengthening front over the central Plains will interact with remnant moisture from once-Hurricane Newton to produce stormy conditions from Kansas and Missouri to Iowa and Illinois, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Jordan Root.

Some of the cities most at risk for the heavy storms into Friday night include Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; Wichita, Kansas; and Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia, Missouri.
A few drenching storms may impact areas as far south as Amarillo, Texas, and Oklahoma City on Friday night.
Flash flooding will be the overriding concern across the region, especially in areas that have been hit hard by rain over the past few days.
"Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches will be possible across the region," Root said.
Locally higher amounts are expected under the more persistent downpours.
Those heading out on Friday evening should bring along an umbrella and be prepared to take shelter at the first sign of thunder or lightning.
RELATED:
Weekend storms to slash heat, humidity in northeastern US
South-Central US interactive radar
Severe Weather Map: US watches and warnings
Travel along portions of interstates 35, 49 and 70 could be slow at times due to the downpours. Motorists should be on alert for standing water on area roadways.
In addition to flooding, damaging winds and hail are expected in some of the strongest storms. Sporadic power outages and minor damage to trees, crops and structures may occur.
The storms are expected to diminish below severe criteria as they shift farther east later Friday night, but locally drenching rain will still be a concern from St. Louis to Chicago and Green Bay, Wisconsin.
In the wake of the stormy conditions, a prolonged stretch of drier weather will be welcome across the region this weekend. In addition, temperatures and humidity will lower.
While the central U.S. dries out, the threat for heavy and locally damaging storms will shift eastward into the Ohio Valley on Saturday.