WASHINGTON — Authorities issued warnings Tuesday for additional heavy rainfall expected in flood-prone regions across parts of the United States, as saturated soils from recent storms heightened the risk of flash flooding.
The National Weather Service and local emergency officials urged residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for potential flooding as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms continue to affect several states. Forecasters highlighted risks in the mid-Mississippi Valley, parts of the South and Central U.S., where excessive runoff could impact rivers, creeks and low-lying zones.
Meteorologists with the National Water Center issued a flood hazard outlook valid through mid-June, noting that heavy downpours remain possible in various locations. In recent days, areas including Central and North Texas saw flash flood warnings amid rainfall totals that prompted road closures and hazardous conditions, according to local reports and the National Weather Service.
Officials emphasized that ground conditions in many regions are already saturated following prior heavy rain events. In Madison, Wisconsin, for example, forecasts called for 2 to 4 inches of rain in some spots on Monday, with potential for localized flash flooding even without formal watches in effect at the time.
"Staying safe in heavy rains starts before the first drop hits," New York City Mayor Mamdani said in a statement related to weekend storm preparations in the Northeast, where nuisance flooding was anticipated in low-lying areas.
Similar alerts have been active in other parts of the country. In Texas, repeated rounds of thunderstorms have led to flood warnings in counties around Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin in recent days, with emergency managers advising against driving through flooded roads.
The warnings come amid a pattern of slow-moving weather systems that have brought repeated heavy precipitation to parts of the Plains, Midwest and South. The National Weather Service has noted that even moderate additional rainfall could trigger issues in flood-prone zones due to existing soil moisture.
Emergency management agencies recommended that residents in at-risk areas monitor local forecasts, avoid low-water crossings and have emergency supplies ready. Specific impacts, including any road closures or evacuations, were being managed at the local level, with details varying by jurisdiction.
As of Tuesday morning, no widespread major flooding was reported in the newly highlighted outlook periods, but officials continued to monitor developing storms. The National Weather Service advised checking updates from local offices for the latest watches and warnings.
Forecasters said additional rainfall of several inches remains possible in some locations through the middle of the week, though exact totals and locations could shift. Residents were encouraged to heed official guidance to minimize risks.
