U.S. News
Major Storm Threatens Southern Plains This Weekend
Clear Facts
- Heavy rainfall is forecast for the Southern Plains this weekend, raising flood concerns for millions of residents.
- A storm system will bring rain from the Desert Southwest through the Southern Plains into the Deep South.
- NOAA has issued a heightened flash flood threat for portions of Oklahoma, North Central Texas, and Arkansas, including Little Rock.
Flooding risk is set to increase for communities across the Southern Plains as a strong storm brings heavy, widespread rain this weekend.
The developing storm will travel from Baja California and sweep through the Southwest and Southern Plains starting Friday.
Forecasts call for 2–3 inches of rain from eastern Oklahoma to Georgia, along with the chance for scattered thunderstorms across the South.
Drought lingers in much of the Southern region, especially in Arkansas and Georgia, making the rainfall significant for these areas.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed Northeast Texas, eastern Oklahoma, and central Arkansas under a level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat for Saturday.
By weekend’s end, up to five inches of rain could fall in certain localities, putting low-lying and urban neighborhoods on alert.
Most forecast models expect the storm to track south over the Gulf Coast, exiting offshore near the Southeast coastline.
Some models suggest a less likely northern route through the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast could occur if the system shifts.
A dip in the jet stream early next week is expected to hold across the West, enabling a high pressure system to build across the eastern U.S.
This shift will favor new storm system development in the West, strengthening as they cross the central states.
Should high pressure grow too strong, future storms may be pushed north toward Canada instead of affecting the U.S.
If the high pressure weakens or retreats, stronger storms could move into the Midwest and Northeast, increasing severe weather and snow chances.
“The flash flood threat escalates Saturday as a Level 2 out of 4 threat is in place for areas of Northeast Texas, eastern Oklahoma and central Arkansas — including major city Little Rock.”
Warm air entering the Southeast, along with greater instability, may set the stage for more powerful thunderstorms in the days ahead.
Stay informed as this weekend’s changing pattern brings both needed rain and an increased risk of severe weather across much of the South.
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