the national weather service posted flood watches stretching from dallas, texas, to scranton, pennsylvania, starting march 16. two strong low-pressure centers developed along a stationary front that stretched along this line. one was located in the southern region of illinois, and the other was located near san antonio, texas. the northern low, combined with strong upper level winds, dragged large amounts moisture north from the gulf of mexico. the southern low produced severe weather and heavy rain on its north side. at one point, the national weather radar composite showed a large shield of heavy rain stretching from texas to northern indiana. river flooding continued through may in some areas, causing additional problems where flash flooding from the heavy rains struck. numerous locations in arkansas reported record rainfall totals from march into early april.