INSIDER BLOG: What are ‘Training’ storms and what it means for flood risk in Mid-Missouri

Heavy rainfall has inundated portions of central Missouri due to persistent storms tracking over the same regions recently. A specific atmospheric setup is needed for consecutive storms to move over the same area of land in quick succession; typically, the first round will use up most energy. However, our area has been seeing an influx of low-level winds overnight, keeping moisture high and temperatures warm. In this setup, the mean flow of the atmosphere keeps rain moving in the same direction, while the low-level winds supply ongoing moisture. This allows heavy rain to last for hours in local areas, which can bring several inches of rain and flash flooding. These setups are sometimes known to break rainfall records where the heaviest axis of moisture sets up.