South braces for heavy rain, dangerous flooding

Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are in the bull's-eye.

ByMax Golembo, Morgan Winsor, Emily Shapiro, and Melissa Griffin
January 24, 2024, 1:23 PM

Thirty-five million Americans are under flood watches as states from Texas to the Northeast face heavy rain and potential flooding.

In the Northeast, flood watches were prompted Wednesday by the combination of rain and warming temperatures melting the snow on the ground. Icy conditions in New England could make roads extremely dangerous during the evening commute.

The heaviest rain on Wednesday is moving through the Gulf Coast and Deep South, including eastern Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

PHOTO: As rounds of rain move across the Deep South and Gulf Coast this week, there are several days with chances for flooding and thunderstorms.
As rounds of rain move across the Deep South and Gulf Coast this week, there are several days with chances for flooding and thunderstorms.
ABC News

Two to 5 inches of rain has already inundated Jackson, Mississippi, with more on the way.

By Wednesday night, the heavy rain will stretch from Houston to New Orleans to Birmingham, Alabama.

Rain totals could reach 8 inches by Wednesday night.

PHOTO: The timing shows heavy rain tonight stretching from Houston to New Orleans to Birmingham and additional showers from the Ohio Valley into the Northeast.
The timing shows heavy rain tonight stretching from Houston to New Orleans to Birmingham and additional showers from the Ohio Valley into the Northeast.
ABC News

Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are also possible Wednesday night in Louisiana and Mississippi.

On Thursday, the flood threat will continue for Louisiana and Mississippi and will also move into Alabama and Georgia.

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