The southern part of a major storm destined to bring blizzard conditions from Chicago all the way to Philadelphia and New York City is soaking the Southeast today. With rivers already running high or in flood stages across much of the Southeast, there could be flooding that closes roads and even threatens some homes.

The rain will push from the Tennessee Valley and Alabama through the Carolinas.

Some of the rain will freeze on contact with surfaces in northern North Carolina.

Thunderstorms will also ignite across the northeastern Gulf Coast and across much of the Florida Peninsula. Some of the storms in central Florida could become strong by the afternoon or the evening, producing brief hail and gusty winds. Locally torrential downpours could also create poor visibility for motorists traveling along I-4 and I-75.

Story by AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Meghan Evans