Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 420 PM EDT Tue Apr 29 2014 Valid 00Z Wed Apr 30 2014 - 00Z Fri May 02 2014 ***Severe weather outbreak continues through Wednesday*** ***Heavy rainfall for the Eastern U.S. through mid-week*** ***Turning cooler behind the cold front*** Some of the most active weather so far this season continues across the Deep South and Southeast U.S. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Storm Prediction Center is indicating a moderate risk of severe weather over parts of Mississippi and Alabama, where additional tornadoes and severe storms are likely. A very slow-moving and dynamic spring storm system is the forcing mechanism for this, and these storms will likely reach the Southeast Coast by Wednesday. These storms are feeding off very warm and humid air from the Gulf of Mexico in a highly sheared environment. Farther to the north across the Midwest states, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic region, periods of heavy rainfall will be making weather headlines. A broad band of over-running rainfall north of a slow moving warm front is expected to bring copious amounts of rain to these areas through the end of the week. Flash flood watches have been issued by many of the local NWS forecast forecasts for the possibility of flooding as multiple rounds of heavy rain affect the same areas. Numerous thunderstorms will also be possible in these areas, but the worst weather is expected farther to the south across the southeastern states. Elsewhere across the continental U.S., a fresh surge of cooler and drier weather will be enjoyed by many residents across the southern and central Plains with the cold front passing to the east. This quality airmass will eventually reach the Deep South and Ohio Valley by later in the week after the bad weather departs with the cold front. Over the Rockies, expect isolated to scattered snow showers at times over the higher elevations. Dry and pleasant weather is expected to continue for the West Coast as high pressure remains in charge. D. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_wbg.php