Doyle Rice

USA TODAY

From one extreme to another in Gatlinburg, Tenn.: Two days after deadly and devastating wildfires, flooding was a concern Wednesday.

Rainfall totals of 1-2 inches were likely across Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains on Wednesday, the National Weather Service predicts. "Areas that experienced burning can see a threat of flash flooding," the weather service in Morristown, Tenn., said in a tweet.

The Gatlinburg area got about 3/4 of an inch to 1 inch of rain overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, the weather service said. This was from the same system that spawned severe storms and deadly tornadoes overnight across other parts of the South.

Death, devastation and tears sweep storm-battered Southeast

But despite the rain in Gatlinburg, officials say there are still active fires in the area. Tennessee Emergency Management Agency spokesman Dean Flener told the Associated Press that any rain will help, but the fires are still an "ongoing situation."

There were 19 wildfires burning across six Southeastern states as of Wednesday morning, the U.S. Forest Service said.

The fires have killed seven people, injured about four dozen and damaged more than 400 buildings, Sevier County, Tenn., Mayor Larry Waters said Wednesday. Waters said three people who were trapped after the fires Monday night have been rescued, and search-and-rescue missions were continuing.

Extent of Tennessee fire damage comes into grim focus

Widespread rain and a few thunderstorms are expected from the Gulf Coast to New England on Wednesday. Yet another storm will deliver more welcome rain to the Southeast over the weekend, the Weather Channel said.

The rain will continue to ease drought conditions that have parched much of the South and Northeast over the past two months.

Contributing: Associated Press

