Life-Threatening Rains Expected Across Two Dozen States Over Next Week

Dangerous flooding rains are expected to put hundreds of millions of people at risk across about two dozen states over the coming week. The threat starts on Friday and stretches into the following week, covering areas from the Southwest all the way to the East Coast. Scientists say a powerful climate pattern called El Niño is behind much of the extreme weather. Flood watches have already been issued in several regions, warning people to stay alert and be ready to move to higher ground.

El Niño is a natural climate pattern that warms the waters of the Pacific Ocean. When the ocean gets warmer than usual, it sends more moisture into the air above it. That extra moisture can make storms much stronger and rainier than normal. Meteorologist Ben Noll wrote in The Washington Post that this year's El Niño is a 'super' version, meaning it is especially powerful. Climate change is also making these extreme weather events worse, scientists say.

The first wave of dangerous rain is hitting parts of Idaho and Montana through Friday night. These areas are covered in burn scars, which are patches of land that were scorched by wildfires. Burned ground is hard and crusty, so it cannot soak up rainwater the way healthy soil can. That means even a moderate amount of rain can quickly turn into dangerous flooding. Similar problems have caused major floods in New Mexico and California in recent years.

The upper Midwest is also facing a serious threat of flash flooding on Friday. Federal weather forecasters have warned that parts of Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa face a 'slight risk' of dangerous flooding. By Saturday, the storm threat shifts eastward toward the Great Lakes states. Heavy downpours could soak a wide zone stretching from Nebraska all the way to Michigan. Areas near the Rocky Mountains, from Colorado to Montana, could also feel the effects.

Tragedy has already struck some communities. Three people, including a child, were killed on Wednesday after being swept away by floodwaters on the Navajo Nation. Earlier in August, three friends died in flash floods at the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. These events are a reminder of just how deadly flooding can be, even for people who are outdoors and aware of their surroundings. Experts urge people never to walk or drive through flooded roads or streams.

People living along the East Coast are also being warned to prepare for rough weather next week. Showers and storms are expected to affect major cities from Boston and New York down to Washington, D.C., Virginia, and the Carolinas. A cold front is expected to bring storms to the Virginia area Friday evening and into Saturday morning. Weather forecasters in Raleigh, North Carolina, have already issued a severe thunderstorm warning. Charleston, South Carolina, is enjoying one last warm day before a wet Saturday moves in.