Back-to-back flooding disasters in recent years — in Texas, New Mexico and Kentucky, among many others — have showed that preparing for flash flooding is a new necessity as the planet warms.

With the recent deadly flash floods​ in Texas and New Mexico, it's important to remember that monsoon season has begun for the southwestern part of our country and flooding is one of the hazards that comes along with it.

On Wednesday at 11:30 p.m. an updated flash flood warning was released by the NWS Blacksburg VA in effect until Thursday at 3:30 a.m. for Wilkes and Yadkin counties.

Major I-95 cities -- Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia -- could be impacted as heavy downpours could bring 2-3 inches of rainfall per hour over already saturated soils, which could easily cause flash flooding.

Rain came down fast and hard Wednesday night in Chicago, creating some hazardous situations not only for drivers, but for first responders who were busy rescuing people who were stuck in high waters. Whether it's a flood on the road or rushing water, some Chicago area firefighters said their training is everything.

Forecasters say some thunderstorm cells have the potential to dump as much as 2 to 3 inches of rain in one hour, posing a risk of rapid flooding.