Heavy flooding warnings shift towards the Plains and Atlantic Coast, while Wisconsin deals with the aftermath
Flooding and Severe Weather Hit Multiple Regions, Causing Widespread Damage
A series of severe storms and heavy rainfall have caused extensive flooding and related hazards across several regions in the United States.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a severe storm dropped between 8 to 14 inches of rain in just a few hours over the weekend, leading to flash flooding, flooded neighborhoods, impassable roads, and multiple water rescues. Gusts over 80 mph also toppled numerous trees and power lines [1].
Rescuers in the Milwaukee suburb of Franklin found a missing teenage boy holding onto a tree branch and standing on a submerged log in the rapidly moving water. The Franklin Fire Department divers deployed an inflatable Zodiac boat to rescue the teenager, who was treated at the scene by paramedics, reunited with his family, and taken to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin for further medical evaluation [2].
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by flood waters, and people are advised not to walk or drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.
Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms with damaging winds (up to 60 mph), large hail, and heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour are moving through the Great Plains, including Kansas, northern Oklahoma, northern Texas, and southwestern Missouri. Thunderstorms with potential for flash flooding are forecast on Monday and into Tuesday for northern Texas, Oklahoma, and southwestern Missouri [1][2].
Heavy rain is also expected along the Southern Atlantic Coast and Carolinas, potentially causing flash flooding in coastal areas of Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina. The threat extends along the coast altogether [1][3].
Saturated grounds due to previous rainfall are heightening flash flood risk in these areas. Tropical storm activity (Hurricane Erin) affecting the Outer Banks and coastal Virginia is causing storm surge and life-threatening surf along the east coast, which may enhance flooding issues in coastal regions. The general precipitation outlook has notable uncertainty due to system upgrades, but the immediate severe rain and flooding threat is confirmed [4][5].
On Monday night and into Tuesday, thunderstorms are expected from northern Texas through Oklahoma and southwestern Missouri, possibly producing flash flooding in those areas. Residents and local authorities in these regions should remain alert for flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, and related weather hazards through Monday into Tuesday, especially in urban centers like Milwaukee, and coastal cities including Charleston and Wilmington [1][4].
Current updates indicate significant flash flooding threats are affecting and forecast for the Great Plains, Southern Atlantic Coast, and Carolinas, including Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Charleston, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina.
[1] Milwaukee Journal Sentinel [2] Franklin Fire Department [3] National Weather Service Charleston, SC [4] National Weather Service Wilmington, NC [5] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
In light of the current weather situation, accurate and timely weather-forecasting is crucial to prepare for the ongoing threats of flash flooding in multiple regions, such as Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina. Weather-forecasting alerts should continue through Monday into Tuesday for these regions to ensure the safety of residents and effectiveness of rescue operations.
