Breakfast Brief - Week ends with severe weather in place

Severe storms are still in the forecast to end the week amid a widespread flooding event. Up to 6 inches or more of rain are expected through Saturday morning as the storms train over the areas recently impacted by flooding rains this week. The Breakfast Brief is published Monday through Friday at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

The severe storm machine keeps cranking today and areas in the southern Plains, Mississippi Valley and lower Midwest can expect more severe storms, especially across the Ozarks, including Little Rock. The WeatherRadar shows the strongest storms kicking off in the mid-afternoon hours today and lasting through the overnight hours.

Nocturnal severe weather is even more dangerous than daytime due to the lack of light to spot tornadoes or flooding. Have at least three ways to receive weather warnings and have your notification volume turned up in case you are asleep.

Widespread flooding issues are still in the forecast. This slow-moving storm system has access to abundant Gulf moisture. The storms moving over the southern Plains to the Ohio Valley are hitting the same spots that have received several inches of flooding rains already, many of them in drought.

While the rain is great for extinguishing drought in the long term, the soil has a hard time soaking in intense rainfall that falls rapidly and continuously. Flood watches extend from northeast Texas to Lake Erie. Note the flood zones in your area and think back to heavy rain events that have affected you recently to make the best decision when encountering flooding. Remember, when you see darker blue and purple colors on the WeatherRadar, heavier rains are falling.

Much of the western U.S. is getting a break from active weather, but the Rockies will continue seeing wintry skies as snow falls. Keep an eye on the WeatherRadar if you're heading into the mountains for some late-season skiing!

The Southeast will be the warmest spot with the TemperatureRadar showing highs into the upper 80s and low 90s! Were you craving summertime heat already?

With severe weather chances increasing during the spring season, have your knowledge toolbox ready to go by using these tips!