As severe weather continues to wreak havoc across the South and Gulf Coast states, authorities have issued flood and thunderstorm watches for numerous areas. On Friday, a staggering 15 million people were warned about potential flooding stretching from northeastern Louisiana to northwestern South Carolina.

The flood watch areas can expect a widespread 2 to 4 inches of rain, with the possibility of even higher amounts in some locations. Of particular concern is the region along and just south of the I-20 corridor across Alabama and Georgia, which includes the southern portions of major metro areas such as Birmingham and Atlanta. The corridor from Montgomery, Alabama to Columbus and Macon, Georgia is also at heightened risk for flash flooding, with isolated amounts of rainfall potentially reaching 6 to 8 inches.

In addition to the flood threat, severe thunderstorms are also anticipated in many of these areas. On Friday, approximately 8 million people in eastern Texas to southern Alabama are at risk for severe storms, including damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Cities such as Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Montgomery, Mobile, and Jackson, Mississippi are urged to remain vigilant.

The severe weather risk is expected to shift eastward on Saturday, now threatening 15 million people from eastern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle up through southern North Carolina. The I-10 corridor in the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia will likely experience ongoing severe thunderstorms in the morning, with the eastern Carolinas facing the greatest risk of isolated tornadoes during the afternoon. Cities like Tallahassee, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Charleston, Columbia, and Wilmington, North Carolina should remain alert for the possibility of hail, damaging winds, and brief tornadoes.

As the storm system moves further eastward, the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions are not exempt from its effects. A soaking rain is expected on Saturday, adding to what has already been a particularly wet start to the year in parts of the Northeast, including the tri-state area, Rhode Island, and western Massachusetts. This continuous rainfall will only further contribute to the already significant precipitation total.

However, relief is in sight as the storm pulls away from the Atlantic coast on Sunday. Residents in the Great Lakes and interior Northeast should be prepared for lake-effect snowfall Saturday night into Sunday, marking the gradual end of this turbulent weather event.

Authorities urge residents in the affected areas to stay informed, heed all warnings, and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety as the severe weather system unfolds.