Life-Threatening Flash Flooding Expected Along the Central Gulf Coast
The remnants of former Tropical Cyclone Arthur will bring a dangerous and potentially life-threatening flash flooding threat across the central Gulf Coast today. Extremely heavy rainfall, with rates of several inches per hour, is expected from southeastern Louisiana through southern Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Repeated rounds of thunderstorms moving over the same locations may produce widespread rainfall totals exceeding 12 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 20 inches. Because soils are already saturated and rivers and streams are running high from recent rainfall, flooding could develop rapidly and become severe. Urban areas including New Orleans, Mobile, and Pensacola face a heightened risk of dangerous flooding. Additional heavy rain may also affect parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and southern West Virginia, causing localized flooding concerns.

Dry Thunderstorm Fire Risk Increases Across the West While Breezy Conditions Affect Central North Carolina
A strengthening area of high pressure over the Southwest and Great Basin will bring warm and dry conditions across much of the western United States today. In California’s Sierra Nevada, isolated thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon and evening, but many of these storms may produce little rainfall while still generating lightning. This raises the risk of new wildfire starts, especially in areas with dry vegetation. Similar thunderstorms are possible across parts of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, where limited rainfall and lightning could also spark isolated fires. Farther east, central North Carolina may experience a brief period of elevated fire danger as gusty southwest winds combine with relatively dry air before increasing clouds and rain arrive later in the day.