Millions of people along the U.S. Gulf Coast from around New Orleans to the Florida Peninsula are facing a widespread rain event this week which stems from both a powerful storm system bringing severe weather to the Plains and the remnants of what was once Tropical Storm Sara.

What was once Tropical Storm Sara dissipated Monday over Central America, following days of heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides in that region. The remnants of Sara will merge with a cold front over the Gulf of Mexico,