Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to dominate the weekend across parts of the South and East, with repeated downpours threatening to cause flash flooding, disrupt travel and interfere with outdoor events and college football games.
A surge of tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico fueled flash flooding across eastern Texas on Thursday as soaking rainfall slowly moved across the state. Periods of heavy rain are expected to continue through Friday night, with additional rounds of storms spreading eastward over the weekend.
The atmosphere contains an abundance of moisture, creating conditions favorable for torrential rainfall and localized flooding.
Eastern Texas and Gulf Coast Face Immediate Flood Risk
The greatest flooding concerns through Friday night are expected across eastern Texas and the central Gulf Coast, including southern Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
Repeated thunderstorms moving over the same locations could produce significant rainfall in a short period. Low-lying areas, locations with poor drainage and urban communities are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding.
The heavy rain could also create difficult driving conditions, especially where water begins accumulating on roads.
Farther north, a cold front moving through the Ohio Valley and Northeast will push showers southeastward through Friday evening. Rain could reach areas around Pittsburgh and Nashville, Tennessee, while much of the Interstate 95 corridor remains dry for much of the day.
A few showers are expected to arrive along the I-95 corridor during the evening.
Saturday Could Bring More Torrential Rain
The Southeast is expected to remain unsettled Saturday as rain and thunderstorms continue across much of the South.
The timing of the storms could create problems for several college football games. Heavy rainfall and lightning could cause delays or otherwise disrupt games in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Starkville, Mississippi; Athens, Georgia; and Knoxville, Tennessee. Along the central Gulf Coast, the potential for torrential downpours will remain a major concern.
Areas from New Orleans toward the Florida Panhandle could experience periods of intense rainfall capable of producing flash flooding.
Heavy rain could also affect travel along Interstate 10, where reduced visibility and water-covered roads could slow drivers.
Northeast Gets a Brief Break
While the South remains wet, conditions farther north will look considerably different during the first half of the weekend.
Rain is expected to retreat from portions of the Northeast as high pressure settles over southern Ontario, allowing cooler and less humid Canadian air to move into the region.
Saturday could bring high temperatures in the 60s, low humidity and plenty of sunshine across parts of the Northeast.
That setup should provide more favorable conditions for outdoor activities while the Southeast deals with another round of storms. The improvement, however, will be temporary for some locations.
Sunday Brings a Broader Flood Threat
The wet pattern will continue Sunday as storms and showers become more widespread across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic. Tropical moisture will push farther north, increasing the potential for heavy rainfall across a larger area.
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From Saturday through Sunday night, 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected from southern Texas to eastern Virginia. A heavier rainfall corridor could receive 2 to 4 inches from the Gulf Coast into central Georgia and parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.
The highest totals could occur along the immediate Gulf Coast.
Forecasters expect 4 to 8 inches of rain from New Orleans to Tallahassee, Florida, with similarly heavy rainfall possible slightly inland across southern Mississippi and Alabama.
Where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same locations, rainfall totals could become especially problematic.
New York and Philadelphia Could Turn Wet Sunday
The Northeast will also see moisture return Sunday as a separate storm develops along a stalled frontal boundary. Philadelphia and New York City, which could remain largely dry Saturday, may see showers return Sunday.
Rain is expected to hold off until the late afternoon or evening in those cities, allowing much of Sunday to remain dry before conditions deteriorate.
That timing could be important for residents making weekend plans or traveling through the region.
Football Games Could Face Storm Disruptions
The weekend weather could create additional problems for professional football.
Heavy rain and lightning could disrupt games Sunday in Baltimore and Charlotte, North Carolina, depending on the timing and intensity of storms.
With multiple rounds of rain expected across the Southeast and parts of the East, localized flooding could remain a concern even after the initial storms move through.
For residents in flood-prone communities, the combination of saturated ground and repeated downpours could make conditions deteriorate quickly.
Is heavy rain expected where you live this weekend? Share your city and state in the comments and let us know whether the weather is changing your football, travel or outdoor plans.
