Multi-Day Rain Event Begins Thursday

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It begins today.

A major rain event will unfold over the Ark-La-Tex region of the United States beginning today and lasting through Sunday.

The Ark-La-Tex is the region that comprises of Arkansas, northeast Texas and northern Louisiana. This wet weather will also impact other adjacent states including eastern Oklahoma, northern Mississippi and western Tennessee.

An upper-level trough has settled over the Southwest; cutting off from the main upper level wind flow.

As it does, the low will spin in place through midday Saturday and eject multiple impulses of energy into the Ark-La-Tex region.

Upper-Level Cutoff Low: Low-pressure aloft helps to provide lift in the atmosphere and pull moisture into the south-central states.

Meanwhile, the Gulf of Mexico is wide open for business. What we mean is that persistent southerly winds have transported warmth and loads of moisture into the southern Plains and the lower Mississippi Valley.

There's also a boundary that will be in place, draped across the region which will provide some focus for the clusters of rain and thunderstorms.

Ingredients: A southerly flow from the Gulf will transport a rich source of moisture into the southern Plains and the Lower Mississippi Valley. The front acts to provide one of the triggers for the widespread rain and thunderstorms.

All of these ingredients will lead to repeated episodes of heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms.

Some of the thunderstorms that do develop could unleash large hail, high winds and a few tornadoes.

See: Dr. Forbes' TOR:CON values | Severe storm forecast maps

We anticipate that rain amounts during this event could reach 2 to 4 inches over a wide area. Locally, where training thunderstorms develop, rain amounts could exceed 7 inches.

Yes, this is good news for the overall drought impact across eastern Texas however this could end up being too much of a good thing.

Rainfall Forecast: This is the rainfall forecast for the Ark-La-Tex region from Thursday through Sunday.

WeatherReady: Floods - Before the Storm

This could potentially become a very serious flash-flooding scenario so please be aware of this upcoming dangerous weather setup.

We expect flood watches will be issued by the National Weather Service in preparation for this event.

There are several campgrounds in this part of the country and with plenty of college students enjoying spring break, these campgrounds could see many visitors this week.

Know the weather forecast beforehand and prepare now for the possible flooding.