Southern US downpours to raise flood threat into Christmas Eve

A series of storms will move across the eastern half of the United States into Christmas Eve and trigger the potential for flooding rainfall across the Southern states.
Locations from the central Gulf Coast to the western Carolinas are at risk for the heaviest rain that may trigger flash flooding.
"From Monday into Christmas Eve, parts of the Gulf Coast could see 4 to 5 inches of rain with locally higher amounts," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said.
"While this rain will fall over the span of three to four days, flooding will still be a concern given how wet it has been recently," Pydynowski said.
© Provided by AccuWeatherRainfall across the rest of the Eastern states will generally range from 0.50 of an inch to 1.00 inches with localized totals of 2 inches into Christmas Eve.
Some of the cities at risk for potential flooding include Tallahassee and Pensacola, Florida; New Orleans and Alexandria, Louisiana; Jackson and Biloxi, Mississippi; Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama; Atlanta and Macon, Georgia; Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina; Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina.
"This amount of rain will certainly be enough to cause some flooding issues and create headaches for those traveling to visit friends and family for Christmas," Pydynowski said.
Those traveling along interstates 10, 20, 55, 59, 65, 75 and 85 will be facing days of heavy rainfall and reduced visibility.
Rain jackets and umbrellas will be needed for those doing any last minute shopping for the Christmas holiday.
Mild air will accompany the rain during the week. Temperatures will range between 10 to 30 degrees above average in most places and will challenge record-high temperatures.
The surge of warm air for December will also lead to areas of thunder and lightning.
Localized severe thunderstorms are possible along the central Gulf Coast on Monday. A more widespread area of severe thunderstorms could develop in the lower Mississippi Valley on Wednesday, with gusty thunderstorms potentially extending into a portion of the lower Great Lakes.
Drivers are urged to reduce speeds during episodes of heavy rain and ponding on roadways to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.