Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 359 PM EDT Tue Sep 04 2018 Valid 00Z Wed Sep 05 2018 - 00Z Fri Sep 07 2018 ...Tropical Storm Gordon is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane this evening before making landfall in Mississippi, bringing threats of flash flooding and severe thunderstorms to the region... ...Slight risk for severe thunderstorms over parts of the Middle and Upper Mississippi Valley... ...Excessive rainfall and flash flooding likely across Central Plains, Middle and Upper Mississippi Valley and into the Upper Great Lakes... ...Excessive heat will be felt across the northeastern U.S.... Tropical Storm Gordon is forecast to intensify to a hurricane just prior to making landfall near Mississippi this evening. The current track has it proceeding towards Arkansas before hooking northeast through Missouri during the weekend. Heavy rain will accompany Gordon along its track, spreading an extensive swath of 3 to 6 inches will locally higher amounts. Widespread flash flooding will be a concern through the end of the week. Severe thunderstorms will likely be triggered over parts of the Gulf Coast in association with this system as well. The Storm Prediction Center has a Slight Risk of severe thunderstorms in effect through tonight. Check the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center for the track and intensity of Gordon. Meanwhile, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms will continue to impact the north-central portions of the country over the next few days as a strong and fast-moving frontal system pushes through the Northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley. The focus of heavy rain across the Mid and Upper Mississippi Valley and into the Upper Great Lakes region has led to a High Risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding by the Storm Prediction Center through tonight, with Moderate to Slight Risks encompassing the surrounding area. This high risk area could have 3 to 5 inches of rainfall with localized higher amounts. Numerous areas within this region are already experiencing saturated soils and conditions favorable for flooding, which will be further aggravated by additional rainfall. Large areas of the Central Plains, Middle and Upper Mississippi Valley and the Upper Great Lakes are currently under Flash Flood Watches and Warnings. To the east of the cold front, a strong surge of warm and moist air is coupling with a strong ridge of high pressure. This is creating very hot and humid weather across much of the southeast and eastern U.S. Heat Advisories are currently in effect across portions of the eastern U.S. Wix Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php