Severe Flood Conditions Threaten Southeastern US This Weekend

CHARLESTON, S.C. – A level two flood threat lingered for parts of the Southeastern U.S. on Sunday as heavy rainfall caused road closures and dangerous conditions across the region.

Areas such as Panama City experienced torrential rain, prompting residents and even triathletes to navigate through the downpours. The National Weather Service reported that Panama City recorded 1.99 inches of rain since midnight, surpassing the previous record of 1.93 inches set in 1952.

In nearby areas, the rainfall was even more intense. One location reported receiving 2.06 inches of rain, breaking the historical record for May 11 of 1.57 inches established in 1899. At Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, 0.75 inches fell within just eight minutes, equating to an astonishing 5.63 inches per hour.

The slow-moving storm system continues to affect the Gulf Coast, with expectations of more rain into Monday. Meteorologists anticipate that some communities might see over 4 inches of additional rain, particularly where thunderstorms stall. The ground in many regions is already saturated, raising concerns about flash flooding.

Numerous flood advisories were issued across Florida and South Carolina on Sunday morning due to the relentless rain. On the forecasting front, millions of residents in the Southeast and mid-Atlantic are under a level two out of four flood threat through Monday.

Florida and southern Georgia are particularly at risk for the heaviest rain, while parts of Alabama and western South Carolina could also experience localized flooding. By Monday, the storm system is predicted to extend into the Valley, impacting the Carolinas.

Western North Carolina is still recovering from last year’s devastating floods but is not expected to see rainfall amounts near those levels from that past event. The anticipated rainfall totals are expected to remain in the 3-to-5-inch range for many areas, with isolated spots receiving up to 7 inches.

Residents are cautioned to stay alert as the situation evolves in the coming days.