Additional Coverage:
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Impact Southeast as Heatwave Persists Across the U.S.
Severe weather brought more than a foot of rain to parts of Louisiana and Mississippi on June 18 and 19, causing widespread flooding and disruptions. While conditions are expected to improve by Father’s Day, rainfall and flood risks will continue across sections of the Central U.S. into early next week.
Cottonport, Louisiana, recorded an extraordinary 29 inches of rain over the two-day period, much of it falling within just 12 hours, according to Scott Kleebauer, meteorologist at the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. The heavy precipitation, partially driven by the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, affected a broad area stretching from Texas to the Florida Panhandle. This led to flash flood emergencies, road closures, and numerous emergency rescues.
At the same time, a significant heatwave placed over 40 million people under heat advisories and warnings during Juneteenth celebrations. However, temperatures are forecast to moderate slightly over the weekend, with few record highs expected.
Looking ahead, moderate flood risks remain in the four corners region of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri as of June 20. Meanwhile, heat is set to intensify in parts of the Pacific Northwest, with Portland potentially reaching 100 degrees and Seattle topping 90 degrees on June 22.
Through midweek, much of the eastern U.S. can expect near to below-normal temperatures as a summer cold front passes through. High heat and humidity will persist in Texas, along the Gulf Coast, and in Florida, where heat risks are rated from moderate to major. In contrast, the Western U.S. is forecast to experience above-normal temperatures and dry conditions, with desert Southwest areas potentially seeing highs into the 110s by midweek.
The intense rainfall in the Southeast caused hazardous flooding and pushed several rivers to record levels. In Mississippi, Highway 49 was submerged under up to three feet of water, leaving vehicles stranded, while homes and businesses suffered flooding in Seminary. Emergency water rescues were also reported in Mobile, Alabama.
Rainfall totals from this event highlight the severity: Louisiana’s Cottonport saw 29.06 inches, Plaucheville 22.53 inches, and the Atchafalaya River near Simmesport rose with 17.66 inches. Mississippi locations Perkinston and Black Creek received over 12 inches each. Texas recorded 11.41 inches in Village Mills, Florida’s Inlet Beach had 7.42 inches, and Alabama’s Saraland saw 7.04 inches.
As this unsettled weather pattern continues to evolve, residents in affected regions should remain alert to forecasts and advisories.
- Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY National Correspondent covering climate, weather, and environmental news.