Heavy rain and locally gusty thunderstorms returning to the Deep South early this week will hamper cleanup and recovery efforts in communities devastated by last week’s deadly tornado outbreak.

The showers and storms are associated with a slow-moving frontal system that has been bringing record flooding to parts of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys over the past few days.

A few of the storms proved to be damaging over the weekend, and unfortunately that threat will persist as they push east into parts of Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.

Fortunately, widespread severe weather incidents, including tornadoes, are not expected from this new round of storms.

Drenching thunderstorms will push into Mississippi and central Tennessee beginning today, bringing periods of heavy rain.

Those with homes damaged by Wednesday’s tornadoes farther east near cities such as Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala., will have the better part the day today to prepare for showers and storms expected to arrive at night and on Tuesday.

Tarps should be used to help prevent further water inundation underneath damaged roofs.

A few of the storms could prove to be strong, especially later today and early tonight from central Louisiana through Mississippi and northern Alabama. Aside from the always present danger of flash flooding and lightning, strong wind gusts and large hail could also occur in some thunderstorms.

Rainfall amounts will be generally lighter than what will be experienced a few hundred miles to the north. Most areas will have less than an inch of rain, with many likely to measure below a half an inch in their rain gauges.

Unfortunately, the news of more storms will be of little significance to those who have lost their homes and loved ones in last week’s tornadoes.

Nearly 340 people were killed in last Wednesday’s outbreak, making it the second deadliest in U.S. history. Many officials expect the death toll to rise in the coming days as recovery efforts remain underway.