Impressive Weekly Rainfall over the Eastern US

Last week was quite wet for central and eastern Kentucky, where 2 to 5 inches of rain fell across many locations east of Interstate 65. And when the same upper-level low pressure system parked along the southeastern coast and interacted with Hurricane Joaquin, some parts of the Carolinas picked up over 20 inches of rainfall, which caused catastrophic flash flooding.

This map shows 7-day rainfall totals ending Monday. The area that received at least 2 inches of rainfall covers most of the eastern third of the nation! The blocking effect of the Appalachians in the easterly flow is also evident, as rain totals over 5 inches are much more widespread east of the mountains. Normal 7-day rain totals at this time of year are less than 1 inch.