US: Adverse weather forecast across the South and Ohio Valley regions through at least early April 29

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South and Ohio Valley regions through at least early April 29. Several rounds of severe storms are forecast across the affected area over the coming days. Strong winds, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. While widespread heavy rains are not expected, locally heavy accumulations resulting in isolated flash flooding remain possible.

As of April 24, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings across scattered parts of eastern Texas, southern Arkansas, central and northern Louisiana, and southeastern and western Illinois. Authorities will likely issue new alerts as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms (the middle level on a five-tier scale) from the eastern Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma into southwestern and south central Kansas late April 25-early April 26. There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms for west-central Texas late April 24-April 25, from western Texas northwards into far northeastern Colorado and southern Nebraska late April 25-early April 26, and from central Texas northwards into eastern Nebraska, northern Iowa, and far western Illinois April 26-27. Further severe storms are possible from northern Texas north-northeastwards into the Mid-West April 28-29.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) for northeastern Oklahoma, central, eastern, and southeastern Kansas, southwestern and western Missouri, and northwestern Arkansas April 25-26; for northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, northwestern and western Arkansas, far northeastern Missouri, eastern and southeastern Iowa, northwestern and western Illinois, and far southern Wisconsin April 26-27; for north-central Texas, central and eastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, northern and western Missouri, far southeastern Nebraska, and far southern Iowa April 27-28; and for northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, much of Arkansas, and southern Missouri April 28-29.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

The severe weather could contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather may cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions will probably occur in flood- or tornado-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.