Forecast rainfall amounts Tuesday through next weekend will be in the 5-8 inch range with the highest amounts across Arkansas and Louisiana, but this could change.
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Some showers and a few thunderstorms are expected to develop Tuesday night, but the heaviest rainfall is expected to move into the area Wednesday afternoon through Friday.
Although the area is below rainfall average for the year by one or two inches, the expected deluge would overwhelm the ground’s ability to soak it up, resulting in localized flooding, Humphrey said. Organizers say they’re ready for the heavy rain as thousands of people arrive in the town to look at more than a million flowers.
The heavy rain is predicted to bring elevated flood risks south of the Interstate 44 corridor, where river and flash flooding will be possible. A wind advisory will likely be required both afternoons. Isolated amounts up to “or” exceeding 10 inches will be possible in some areas. Expect flash flood watches and warnings to be issued as some point this week.
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In determining how severe rainfall will be as the week progresses, forecasters are looking at how much rain falls in Texas and Louisiana before the systems reach Arkansas, Lewis said. The wind will be a defining feature in the day’s weather, out of the south at 15 to 25 miles per hour with higher gusts. The highest risk for more severe flooding is in the Ouachita Basin, he said.
