Beneficial Rain and Severe Thunderstorms Expected to Hit the Southern United States

Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are expected to hit the Southern United States in the coming hours and days.

US weather authorities consider the precipitation as a "beneficial rain" amid the dry conditions being experienced by the drought-stricken US region.

However, potential flash flooding is possible amid the so-called "much-needed rainfall" and the severe storms could bring damaging winds and tornadoes.

The severe weather hazards will be caused by a part of a powerful storm that was responsible for causing a wave of snow and cold temperatures in the Rocky Mountains over the past weekend.

However, it will move southward and cause a new set of weather events in some areas.

While snowfall is unlikely in the South US, such as in the state of Texas, the anticipated inclement weather could result in widespread disruption.

NWS Weather Forecast

The National Weather Service (NWS) - Weather Prediction Center (WPC) issued its latest weather forecast entitled "severe weather across the south" where it highlights a "very active stormy system" that is projected to navigate through the South US and the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys on Tuesday, October 25.

In addition, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms with destructive winds and one or two tornadoes across the southern and middle part of the region.

Meanwhile, localized torrential rain is possible in the Mid-Mississippi and Western Ohio Valleys; where floodwaters are likely in low-lying areas and where riverine flooding could affect nearby communities.

In its short range forecast, the NWS - WPC said the strong low pressure system, with the threat of wintry weather and strong winds, that is exiting through South Canada has gradually diminished over the northern Plains.

Still, another low pressure system rapidly develops over the southern Plains, affecting the Central US and even the Deep South.

The US weather agency also forecasted the persistence of rain in the Northeast US and continuance of unsettle weather throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Beneficial Rain and Drought

AccuWeather Meteorologist Mary Gilbert stated as the storm develops in Texas and Oklahoma, it will bring the necessary rainfall for the region.

The South US was parched since the summer season and is reportedly likely to experience the relief this week.

The forecast expects to replace warm or dry temperatures with relatively cooler ones.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, over 70% of Texas is currently in a state of moderate or worse drought, while 82% of Oklahoma is under extreme or exceptional drought.

Gilbert added that these dry conditions could be transformed as the storm can bring showers, rain, and thunderstorms across the region.

The cities of Oklahoma City and Springfield, Missouri can also be affected.

The fuel for the wet will be coming from some lingering moisture from the Tropical Cyclone Roslyn, a former major hurricane that made landfall in Mexico on Sunday, October 23.

While the storm dissipated over the mountainous region of Mexico, some of its hurricane's moisture is forecasted to move to the lower part of the Mississippi Valley, according to AccuWeather.