Photo of rain courtesy of Photos.com Mar 7, 2012; 12:04 PM ET
Significant rain is on the way for parts of the southern Plains, including northeastern Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana Thursday into Friday.
While some of these areas have drastically improved upon the widespread severe drought that has gripped them for months, other places continue to face exceptionally dry conditions.
The heavy, soaking rain will be beneficial, yet dangerous at the same time. The rain will come at the expense
of severe thunderstorms capable of flash flooding and large hail.
Places that will get drenching thunderstorms include Dallas, Houston and Tyler, Texas, Little Rock, Ark., and Nashville, Tenn.
An area of low pressure will slide from the central Rockies into central Texas tonight into tomorrow. Ample warmth and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will stream northward, setting the stage for thunderstorms that can produce blinding downpours with rain rates over an inch per hour.
Rainfall amounts Thursday through Friday will range from 1 to 4 inches across parts of the southern Plains and the Tennessee and Mississippi valleys with locally higher amounts.
Rain rates of that magnitude can cause ponding on roadways and quickly rising water levels. Small creeks and streams can over spill their banks to cause additional flooding problems.
Poor drainage and low-lying areas are especially at risk.
Residents who plan on traveling in these areas should use extra caution while driving. Drivers should remember never to cross flooded roadways and to seek alternate routes to reach their destinations. Fast-moving water is dangerous and can produce enough force to move cars and trucks with ease.
Looking ahead, it appears an active weather pattern will continue over the same areas in the southern Plains and along the central Gulf Coast with more wet weather on the way this weekend.
AccuWeather.com meteorologists will continue to monitor the impending stormy weather over the next several days. Check back often for future updates.
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