Deadly rain across the South and Midwest is finally subsiding Monday, but the danger for many communities is increasing. They only have to look at the rapidly rising rivers to see what’s coming.

Even as the heavy rains diminished, giving way to more tranquil weather, there was a risk that water levels would continue to rise in the coming days.

The floods threaten communities badly damaged by days of heavy rain and storms that killed at least 18 people.