A powerful storm system is set to sweep across a large portion of the United States, bringing with it a significant threat of severe weather and flooding. As the storm intensifies, regions in the South, particularly Atlanta, face a high risk of flooding due to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

The storm's development is fueled by a surge of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, making it increasingly potent as it tracks over the south-central US on Thursday. Thunderstorms have already been reported in parts of the southern Plains, with more intense storms expected to develop later in the day. Damaging winds, hail, and drenching rain are the primary risks associated with these storms. Central Texas and western Oklahoma may also experience very dangerous, large hail, while the possibility of a tornado cannot be ruled out.

The heavy rain within severe thunderstorms poses a flooding risk for portions of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The Dallas area is particularly at risk, with the Weather Prediction Center issuing a Level 2 out of 4 warning for flooding rainfall on Thursday.

As the storm system strengthens and expands its reach on Friday, a widespread threat of severe thunderstorms and significant flooding emerges from the southern Plains to the Southeast. Although storms from the previous night may linger into Friday morning for parts of Texas and Oklahoma, another round of storms is expected to ignite in the region during the early afternoon. These storms are likely to affect Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana before pushing eastward to Mississippi and Alabama. All forms of severe weather, including large hail, damaging winds, torrential rain, and tornadoes, are possible across this broad area.

Cities such as Dallas, New Orleans, Little Rock, and Jackson are all at a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms on Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Additionally, a Level 3 out of 4 risk for flooding rainfall has been issued for cities from Birmingham to Atlanta, following the significant flooding already experienced in the Atlanta area on Wednesday.

The storm's impact will extend through Saturday, affecting the eastern part of the country. The southern US will remain at the greatest risk for severe thunderstorms, as Friday night's storms are likely to continue into Saturday morning in parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Rising temperatures will provide an extra boost of energy, potentially leading to additional storm development in the Carolinas during the afternoon. Damaging winds, flooding rainfall, and a few tornadoes are expected to be the main risks associated with these potent thunderstorms.

Further north, the storm will bring drenching rain to the Great Lakes region during the day before reaching the Northeast by Saturday evening. There is even a possibility of rain changing to a wintry mix of rain, ice, and snow for high elevations of the interior Northeast late on Saturday.

After several days of active weather, the storm is expected to exit much of the East on Sunday, allowing for drier conditions to take hold. However, some rain and wintry mix may persist in New England.

As this powerful storm system continues its trajectory, it is crucial for residents in the affected regions to stay informed and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.