Millions Face Flash Flood Threat Across Plains and Florida as Labor Day Travelers Head Home
Rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms tied to a cold front raise flood risks for return travel across the Great Plains and parts of Florida while cooler air spreads across much of the U.S.
Tens of millions of people returning from Labor Day weekend travel faced an elevated flash flood threat Monday as rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms moved across the Great Plains and parts of Florida.
Moisture ahead of a cold front that swept the country over the weekend remained high, and forecasters warned that storms that develop could drop a large amount of rain in a short period of time, producing localized flooding and travel delays. The FOX Forecast Center said storms would be "hit-or-miss," but those that fire could lead to areas of standing water and rapid runoff.
The risk was concentrated in parts of the Great Plains and Florida, with additional pockets of heavy rain expected in parts of the Southwest, including southern New Mexico and Arizona. Forecasters cautioned that not everyone would see severe weather but advised travelers and residents in flood-prone areas to monitor local forecasts and be prepared for sudden downpours.
Storms over the holiday weekend already produced significant rainfall in some urban areas, where drainage systems can be overwhelmed quickly. Images circulated from affected cities showed streets and vehicles partially submerged and emergency responders assisting motorists caught in flooded conditions.
The unsettled pattern accompanied a broader shift toward below-average temperatures across a large portion of the United States. Some areas of the Upper Midwest saw their first Frost Advisories of the autumn transition, and observers reported early fall color in parts of Alaska. Meteorologists said cooler air would linger in many regions even as pockets of heavy rain persisted along frontal boundaries.
Flooding risks were heightened in places with saturated soils from previous storms. Urban and low-lying communities were particularly vulnerable to flash flooding from intense, short-duration bursts of rain. State and local emergency management agencies encouraged drivers to avoid flooded roads and reiterated the dangers of attempting to cross moving water.
Transportation officials warned of potential delays on major roadways and at some airports as scattered storms and localized flooding could slow traffic and impact ground operations. Officials urged travelers to check conditions before departing and to allow extra time for commutes or flights.
While the immediate flood threat was expected to diminish as the front moves east and drier air filters in, forecasters said additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms could redevelop in the days ahead where moisture and atmospheric lift remain sufficient. Residents in affected regions were advised to follow updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities for watches and warnings.
The weather pattern illustrated the contrast often seen at the end of the summer season, with some regions experiencing an early taste of autumn chill while others continued to face warm, moisture-rich conditions capable of producing flash floods.