8 March 2016

Major Flood Event Underway From Texas to Missouri

Posted by Dan Satterfield

5 Day Rain estimate from NOAA forecasters.

5 Day Rain estimate from NOAA forecasters.

These are winds at 35,000 feet (250 millibars) and you can see the strong low over Mexico with a very strong jet stream of nearly 150 knots.

These are winds at 35,000 feet (250 millibars) and you can see the strong low over Mexico with a very strong jet stream of nearly 150 knots.

A major flood threat is underway in Texas, and in the Miss. Valley tonight, and it will continue through the next 3 days or longer. Severe storms are also possible, but rain amounts of over 10 inches are possible, as an intense El Nino induced storm stalls over the area. This is the same storm that brought rain and snow to California late Sunday and Monday.

This storm is moving slowly, and the warm air ahead of it, will bring well above normal temps. to the East Coast. Record highs are possible across the Mid-Atlantic on Wednesday, and especially Thursday. DC nudged 80 today, with mid 70’s away from the ocean on the Delmarva Peninsula (where I live, and it was great!).  Tornado watches are already out for much of East Texas as well this evening, and more severe storms are likely tomorrow in Louisiana. Highs may reach 80 in DC and Baltimore by Thursday afternoon and this storm has a lot to do with that!