As a tropical rainstorm swings from the Gulf to the lower Mississippi Valley through the end of this week, tremendous downpours can trigger flash flooding in urban areas as well as quick rises on some bayous and rivers.

The tropical development in the northern Gulf of Mexico this week is expected to be limited due to its close proximity to land, but it will still pose a danger for the millions who reside across the region.

The tropical weather system moving across the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday was showing a greater chance of becoming a tropical depression as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast, according