Millions Across the South Face Tornadoes, Floods as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama Brace for Winter Storm

A massive storm could bring severe thunderstorms, flooding rains, strong winds and tornadoes from southeast Texas across the central Gulf Coast early this week.

The National Weather Service says there is a moderate risk of excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding over parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi and southwestern Alabama from Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning.

The region could see five inches of rain with localized areas seeing even higher amounts.

Forecasters say there is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms. The threat shifts into parts of southeastern Alabama, northern Florida and parts of the Carolinas on Tuesday.

Very strong and damaging winds as well as a few tornadoes will be the main threats in that area as well.

Widespread and potentially significant river and flash flooding are likely for the central Gulf Coast and Eastern U.S. through early Wednesday.

There could also be widespread coastal flooding along the Mid-Atlantic coast due to powerful onshore winds.

The heavy rainfall threat shifts into the Mid-Atlantic on Tuesday along the I-95 corridor from northern Virginia into Massachusetts.

Melting from the recent snowstorm may cause additional runoff concerns in New England.

Power outages are a concern because of widespread wind gusts in excess of 50 mph along the eastern Gulf Coast, Central Appalachians, much of the East Coast and New England.