Heavy Rain, Flooding Could Hit Millions in the South

States from New Mexico to North Carolina are in its path
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 8, 2018 11:27 AM CST
Heavy Rain, Flooding Could Hit Millions in the South
A pedestrian leaps across a flooded portion of the La Paz and Seventh Street intersection as a winter storm arrived, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 in Victorville, Calif.   (James Quigg/The Daily Press via AP)

Governors in two southern states have declared emergencies ahead of an anticipated intense winter storm that's expected to hammer Americans from New Mexico to North Carolina, per the AP and CNN. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Saturday he'd declared an emergency to help state agencies prepare for a storm that's expected to hit hard the southern part of the state. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued the declaration Friday and said the impacts of the weekend storm will vary across the state, with forecasters calling for up to 18 inches of snow in the mountains and possible flooding at the coast. The National Weather Service said Saturday the heaviest snow is expected in northwest North Carolina and southern Virginia. In other southern storm predictions:

  • North Georgia's higher elevations could see up to 5 inches of snow, with possible snow and freezing rain touching the I-85 corridor, including some of Atlanta by Monday. Georgia could also see flooding if the rain gets heavy enough.
  • Up to six inches of snow is expected in North Arkansas on Saturday, with South Arkansas facing up to five inches of rain and possible flash flooding.
  • Precipitation that began in Central and North Texas on Friday could turn into flash floods by Saturday. Rainfall of up to six inches may trigger flash floods in San Antonio and Houston.
  • Heavy rains are expected to strike Louisiana coastal regions and the Florida Panhandle on Saturday and reach the Florida Peninsula on Sunday, per AccuWeather. Flooding and isolated tornadoes are possible along this path—so fans heading to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, keep an eye out.

(More winter weather stories.)

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