Flood and flash flood warning were issued Saturday for a vast area stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Ohio Valley.
The National Weather Service said thunderstorms and rain was expected to continue for the affected area for Saturday.
“Some of the showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing heavy rain, continuing the threat of flash flooding,” it said.
“Accumulations of 1 to 3 inches will be possible with localized heavier amounts at times. Remember, Turn Around Don't Drown,” it added.
Michael Palmer, of The Weather Channel, said the weather pattern was “essentially stuck in place, causing significant localized flooding with repeated heavy rain on already saturated ground.”
“The rain and cloud cover will continue to keep temperatures below average in the upper 70s and 80s this weekend,” he added.
However, drier conditions are on the horizon.
“Most areas will finally dry out somewhat early next week with more typical pop-up summertime afternoon and evening showers and storms,” Palmer said.
Panama City, Flordia, has seen between 5 to 10 inches of rain already and more thunderstorms were expected Saturday. Additional flooding was “likely,” Palmer said, though he added that “Sunday looks better.”
In Nashville, Tennessee, thunderstorms with tropical-like downpours were expected Saturday, he added, but there was a “dramatically reduced” chance of rain Sunday.
Atlanta was expected to see scattered storms over the weekend with periods of heavy rain Saturday.