ATLANTA — Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall prompted flood watches across parts of the southeastern United States on Friday, as forecasters warned that saturated ground and repeated rounds of rain could trigger flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas.
The National Weather Service issued flood watches covering portions of several southeastern states, warning that slow-moving storms capable of producing torrential rainfall could lead to rapidly rising creeks, streams and roadways. Forecasters urged residents to monitor weather updates and avoid driving through flooded areas.
The warnings came as a broader weather pattern continued to generate widespread showers and thunderstorms across the region. Meteorologists said repeated downpours over the same locations could overwhelm drainage systems, particularly where soils had already been saturated by recent rainfall.
Local emergency management agencies advised residents in flood-prone communities to prepare for rapidly changing conditions and to remain alert for possible flash flood warnings, which indicate flooding is imminent or already occurring. Officials also cautioned motorists against attempting to cross water-covered roads, noting that even shallow floodwaters can sweep away vehicles.
The renewed flood threat followed days of destructive flooding in parts of Texas, where emergency responders carried out numerous water rescues after intense rainfall caused rivers and streams to rise rapidly. State officials reported fatalities linked to the flooding and warned that additional rainfall could prolong hazardous conditions in some areas.
While the most severe impacts remained concentrated farther west, forecasters said the same atmospheric pattern was supporting excessive rainfall across portions of the Southeast, increasing the potential for localized flooding through the day. The Weather Prediction Center and National Weather Service continued to monitor the evolving storm system and said additional watches or warnings could be issued if conditions worsened.
Officials urged residents to follow instructions from local authorities, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and seek higher ground if flash flooding develops. Emergency managers said conditions could change quickly as thunderstorms move through the region.
As of Friday, flood watches remained in effect for parts of the Southeast, with forecasters continuing to assess rainfall totals and the potential for additional flooding as storms progressed across the region.
