Flood warnings were issued in 16 states on Friday morning as incessant rain continues to exacerbate flooding that has already killed at least two people.
The extreme rainfall and subsequent flooding followed an arctic blast that plunged most of the nation into subzero temperatures earlier this month. Winter weather has killed at least 72 people in the U.S. in January, with many deaths caused by hypothermia and road accidents, the Associated Press reported.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a stark warning to drivers on Friday, alerting them that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
"Flooding is occurring or is imminent," the warning said. "Do not attempt to cross water covered bridges, dips, or low water crossings. Never try to cross a flowing stream, even a small one, on foot."
Heavy rain has pummeled the south, dumping nearly 12 inches of rain on one Texas city in only 72 hours. Other southern states have battled extreme floods as well, including Louisiana and Mississippi, only days after torrential rains battered San Diego. The rains were so severe that California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Diego County and Ventura County.
States included in the flood-related warnings are New York, Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Washington, Illinois, Tennessee, Oregon, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina. Rain is expected to continue in the south for the first part of this weekend before the storm system begins a trek toward the Northeast on Sunday.
Floods caused the death of a 74-year-old Texas man on Thursday, FOX Weather reported. The man went missing after attempting to retrieve items from his flooded car. His body was found hours later.
Another person died because of flood-related causes in Mississippi, although no further details were available, the report said.
NWS Weather Prediction Center lead forecaster Bob Oravec told Newsweek that following this weekend, the South will have a "temporary break" from rain until the week of February 5.
Most of the rain on Friday will fall east of where the heaviest rains have hit Texas so far, Oravec said. Major flooding was already occurring for several creeks and rivers in Texas on Friday morning, with many other rivers expected to experience moderate flooding, including the Navidad River in Morales, Texas.
Moderate flooding also is occurring in the Guadalupe River, also in Texas. If the river rises 4 more feet, livestock could drown, and homes could be cut off.
About the writer
Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more
