After a week of devastating floods and widespread weather disruption, new storms are making their way across the United States, bringing another round of intense rainfall and flooding risks. The Midwest, already drenched by heavy storms, is bracing for more while Texas and New Mexico, which are still recovering from catastrophic flooding earlier in the summer, face another round of storms this weekend.
This series of storms, which has already caused significant travel disruptions and raised flood risks, affects a vast area, with millions of people under warnings. As the storm system continues to move eastward, concerns about further damage and loss of life mount, particularly in regions still reeling from previous weather-related disasters.
Storms Sweep Through the Midwest
The Midwest is currently facing intense storms, with heavy rain soaking Iowa and parts of Illinois since Friday morning. These storms are part of a larger system moving through the region, putting major cities like Kansas City, Chicago, and Milwaukee at risk. As the system progresses eastward, severe thunderstorms are expected to impact areas like northern Michigan and northern Indiana.
Rainfall amounts are anticipated to range from one to two inches in some areas, but certain regions could see isolated rainfall totals of three to five inches over the weekend. These additional storms come on the heels of earlier rain that has already caused significant disruptions. At 8:30 a.m. ET on Friday, more than 900 flight delays and over 280 cancellations were reported, causing chaos at airports across the country.
Locally heavy rainfall starting Friday Night and throughout the weekend will bring a chance for river flooding, particularly in North and West Texas and in burn scar areas in New Mexico. Stay weather aware this weekend! #txwx #nmwx pic.twitter.com/z5fEh3j5vW
— NWSWGRFC (@NWSWGRFC) July 11, 2025
Renewed Flood Threat in Texas and New Mexico
While the Midwest is experiencing its own severe weather, the biggest concern remains the flood risk facing Texas and New Mexico. These states are still in the process of recovering from catastrophic floods that devastated large parts of Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, leaving more than 100 people dead. In New Mexico, historic flash floods inundated the village of Ruidoso, killing at least three people.
Friday may be dry in these states, but thunderstorms are expected to return over the weekend, bringing additional moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. A flood risk is in effect for parts of Texas, particularly in the Texas Hill Country, where heavy thunderstorms are forecast. Areas such as Oklahoma City and San Angelo, Texas, also face potential flooding risks on Saturday. While storms in New Mexico may be more isolated, there is an increased risk of burn scar flooding, especially in the Ruidoso area.
Unprecedented Rainfall Events Across the Country
The heavy rains hitting Texas, New Mexico, and other regions are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather that has impacted the U.S. in recent weeks. According to climate experts, four 1-in-1,000-year rainfall events have occurred in just the past week alone, in states including Texas, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Illinois. These extreme events are becoming more frequent and are a cause for concern.
Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central, highlighted the unusual nature of these events. “To see events that are historic and record-breaking in multiple parts of the country over the course of one week is even more alarming,” she said. Studies indicate that the climate crisis, coupled with a warming planet, is fueling heavier rainfall, as warmer air can hold more moisture, increasing the potential for more extreme storms.
A very busy Thursday:
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) July 11, 2025
Rain unloaded on much of the Cornhusker State – leading to numerous flash flood warnings. Outlooks favor much of the same today, with excessive rain & severe weather eying the High Plains & Midwest once again.#NEwx pic.twitter.com/4XTjwvCgI0
Deadly Floods and Travel Disruptions
The storms have already caused significant travel disruptions. On Friday, more than 900 flights were delayed and over 280 were canceled, with air traffic affected by the severe weather. In addition to the chaos in the skies, flooding has led to deadly accidents on the roads. In North Carolina, for example, two people died in traffic-related incidents after their vehicles were swept off the roadway due to flooding.
As more storms move through the region, emergency response teams are continuing their work in affected areas. With the rainfall expected to intensify over the weekend, authorities are urging residents to stay prepared and stay informed about ongoing weather developments.
