Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 411 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... ...Excessive rainfall and flash flooding likely across the Central Plains, Middle and Upper Mississippi Valleys, and into the Upper Great Lakes... ...Slight risk for severe thunderstorms over parts of the Middle and Upper Mississippi Valley... ...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 then proceeding towards Arkansas before hooking northeast through Missouri during the weekend. Heavy rain will accompany Gordon along this track, spreading an extensive swath of 3 to 6 inches will locally higher amounts across potions of southern Mississippi, Alabama, and the western panhandle of Florida. Widespread flash flooding will be a concern here through the end of the week. Severe thunderstorms will also likely be triggered over parts of the Gulf Coast in association with this system. 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 as a strong frontal system pushes through the Northern Plains and Upper Mississippi Valley through Wednesday. 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 from the Storm Prediction Center through tonight, with Moderate to Slight Risks encompassing the surrounding areas. This high risk area is expected to receive 3 to 5 inches of rainfall with localized higher amounts possible. Numerous areas within this region are already experiencing saturated soils and ongoing flooding, so any further rainfall will only further exacerbate the situation. Large areas of the Central Plains, Middle and Upper Mississippi Valley and the Upper Great Lakes are currently under Flash Flood Watches and Warnings. Expect these threats to move slightly southward and eastward with the frontal system over the coming days. To the east of the cold front, a deep surge of warm and moist air is coupling with a strong ridge of high pressure. This is creating very hot and humid conditions across much of the southeast and eastern U.S. Heat Advisories are currently in effect across portions of this region, including much of the coastal Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Wix Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php