Flash Flooding is Likely Today

Flash Flood Warnings were issued across the metro this morning for the torrential rains produced by a morning MCS. Many locations received 2-4" of rain. This evening, thunderstorms should reform and it is very important to keep a close eye on Flash Flood Warnings, if and when they are issued. Here are some tips for flash flooding:

• Never drive through flooded roadways unless it is an absolute must, and even then, only if the water is not flowing or is flowing slowly and is less than 6" in depth. If you cannot tell how high the water is, do not cross in any circumstances.
• Flooding is likely in any low lying areas. Make sure that pets, lawn furniture, balls, etc. are on higher land this evening. Water that isn't even up to the top of the grass can sweep many things away.
• Floods may reach your house. If so, do not exit unless critical for your safety, remove the power source from any exterior electronics and electrical plugs, and put sandbags around your doors if possible.

Remember that flooding kills more people every year than tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning, damaging winds, and hail.

Also this evening is a slight risk of severe weather. Any thunderstorms that become particularly strong will have a risk of producing some isolated damaging winds and marginally severe hail. Shear and helicity are very low today for this area, so the chance of any tornadoes is close to none. But, we can't rule out the possibility of a weak tornado along the front. The map below shows the cold front, low pressure centers, and severe weather risks.
So tonight, the main risk, and very deadly risk, is flash flooding. There is a limited threat for severe weather, and a near-zero risk for tornadoes. If anything changes, I'll post again later, but for now, enjoy the last couple of hours of warm temperatures, clear skies, and dryer air! I will mention that the dewpoints are climbing toward 75, so it is beginning to get humid. Have a nice evening!