'Moderate risk' alert due to storms and floods in the central and eastern parts of the country

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an alert for "moderate risk" due to precipitation forecast for this Wednesday in much of the eastern and central part of the country.

The heavy rains could affect 2.6 million people living in south-central Virginia and northern North Carolina, so residents are advised to stay away from locations that could be affected by flooding.

In Richmond (Virginia) and other surrounding communities, the NWS is forecasting "flash flooding and severe thunderstorms" throughout the day.

"Flash flooding and severe thunderstorms are possible across the region today. Be aware of weather conditions and have various means of receiving warnings this afternoon through tonight," the NWS said.

The NWS extended its warning to other states, although it downgraded the intensity of precipitation. From New Hampshire to northern Florida, the entire East Coast is under a light warning for rain and flooding.

In all, some 160 million people are under warnings for rain, storms and flooding.

Rainfall and flood warnings also remain in effect for east-central Texas, a region already devastated by flooding that left more than a hundred dead.