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Deadly Flooding Slams Oklahoma, Texas (PHOTOS)

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In this aerial photo, people prepare to launch a canoe from a flooded parking lot near Bear Creek Park Saturday, May 30, 2015, in Houston. The Colorado River in Wharton and the Brazos and San Jacinto rivers near Houston are the main focus of concern as floodwaters moved from North and Central Texas downstream toward the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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In this aerial photo, people prepare to launch a canoe from a flooded parking lot near Bear Creek Park Saturday, May 30, 2015, in Houston. The Colorado River in Wharton and the Brazos and San Jacinto rivers near Houston are the main focus of concern as floodwaters moved from North and Central Texas downstream toward the Gulf of Mexico. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Weeks of heavy rain have had horrific impacts on the Southern Plains, killing at least 31 people and inundating hundreds of homes. Three residents remain missing.

All over Texas and Oklahoma, rainfall records were shattered in May, including the wettest statewide average rainfall for both states. But there is good news – drier weather is ahead this week, which will help bring water levels down after weeks of stressed drainage systems and flooded roadways.

(IMPACTS: Catastrophic Flash-Flooding Strikes Oklahoma, Texas)

Officials in areas near Houston warned some residents along the San Jacinto River that the water level continues to rise and will likely flood neighborhood streets along the west fork. They advised some in the most vulnerable areas to consider evacuating or prepare to be stranded for days inside their homes until the water recedes.

There has been a silver lining to this persistent rainfall: a long-term drought has been significantly lessened after gripping the Southern Plains for years. Be sure to browse through our gallery of flooding images at the top of this page, and check back frequently for the latest photos.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM: Severe Storms on May 16, 2015