The Southeast will likely see flooding this spring, experts say. Here’s what to expect
Spring is expected to bring flooding and warmer-than-normal temperatures to the Southeast.
In parts of the region, there’s more than a 50% chance for flood conditions from April to June, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said Thursday.
“Moderate” flooding is possible along the Mississippi River and in parts of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina, a forecast map shows. Floods could force people to evacuate to higher elevations and could cause damage near streams, forecasters say.
Most of Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee are expected to get “minor” flooding, which means water could pool on roads but won’t threaten structures, weather experts say. Those conditions are also possible in northern Florida and southern Virginia, a map shows.
“Ongoing rainfall, highly-saturated soil and an enhanced likelihood for above-normal precipitation this spring contribute to the increased chances for flooding across the central and southeastern United States,” NOAA said in its annual Spring Outlook.
Parts of the Southeast could also experience temperatures that are warmer than normal for this time of year, according to forecasters.
But the South isn’t alone.
“No part of the country is favored to experience below-average temperatures this spring, NOAA said.
Nationwide, forecasters also predict “widespread river flooding,” with impacts to 23 states in the upcoming months.
“Do not expect it to be as severe or prolonged overall as the historic floods in 2019,” NOAA said.
Last spring, Mississippi had some of its worst flooding in decades, The Clarion-Ledger reported at the time.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 12:07 PM.
