SOUTHEAST — A soaking rain is still on track for much of the Southeast this weekend, with the heaviest rain expected late Saturday into Sunday. Once the rain settles in, it could be persistent, arriving in round after round with steady rain in between. Blending the latest model guidance, 1 to 3 inches looks like a reasonable range for many areas, though some spots, including New Orleans and Atlanta, could see closer to 4 inches.
Heaviest Rain Arrives Late Saturday Into Sunday
The timing of the heaviest rain continues to point toward late Saturday into Sunday. Rain may start earlier in some areas, but the steadiest and most widespread rainfall is expected during that window.
Once it begins, the rain could be pretty persistent, with periods of heavier downpours mixed with steady rain. That kind of setup allows totals to add up over time, even without intense thunderstorms.
New Orleans and Atlanta Lead Rain Totals
New Orleans is projected to see about 3.94 inches, one of the highest totals on the map. Atlanta is close behind at around 3.65 inches, making both cities likely to see a significant soaking.
Some of the heaviest rain is also shown along the Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast and across parts of north Georgia and the Upstate of South Carolina. These areas could see locally higher totals where heavier bands set up.
Carolinas and Florida See Solid Totals
Charlotte is forecast near 2.60 inches, while Charleston is projected around 1.66 inches. A band of heavier rain is also shown across parts of southern Virginia and North Carolina…