Major floods across the central United States this week are a preview of the spring seasonal outlook, according to the National Weather Service. This week, more than 250 communities in a dozen states are experiencing flood conditions.Several factors will contribute to above-average likelihood of flooding, including record rainfall in some states and snow packs, which are melting and causing rivers and streams to crest over their banks. Snowfall has been normal or above normal across most of the West this winter, however, preexisting dryness in many areas will prevent most flooding in this region, according to the National Weather Service. Runoff from snow pack is expected to improve stream flows compared to last year for the West. Drought across the West is not forecast to ease off. "We expect drought to continue in parts of the southern Plains despite some recent heavy rain," the National Weather Service said. 

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