Scholars and designers of early warning systems say that there are still huge gaps in our ability to predict flash floods and warn those at risk.

Straighter, smoother streams flow more violently than those that meander due to a reduction in friction. Areas with steeper terrain can see water accelerate downhill at a much faster rate causing a more destructive flash flood than flatter, open areas.

The National Weather Service released a flash flood warning at 1:17 p.m. on Saturday in effect until 3:45 p.m. for Franklin and Hampshire counties.

The Flood Watch covers most of the state, barring some counties in northwestern and southeastern Oklahoma, through at least Sunday afternoon.

At 9:58 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service released a flash flood warning in effect until Sunday at 1 a.m. for Jackson and Cass counties.

The National Weather Service released a flash flood warning at 7:31 p.m. on Saturday in effect until 11:30 p.m. for Delaware County.

In the Midwest, quarter-sized hail and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, while in the South, flood alerts are in effect for areas that were devastated by flash floods last week.

The National Weather Service in Pueblo issued a flash flood warning Saturday evening for Costilla and Huerfano counties in southern Colorado. The impacted area is about 35 miles north of the New Mexico state line.