28 Apr 2021 | 02:22 PM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across the southern and eastern regions through at least early April 30 /update 1
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, and possible flooding forecast across southern and eastern US through at least early April 30.
Event
Thunderstorms with rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding are forecast to occur across portions of the southern and eastern US through at least early April 30. The affected area includes central and eastern Texas, Oklahoma, southeastern Kansas, northern Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, northern Mississippi, far northern Alabama, southern Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, far southeastern Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, far northern Virginia, northern Maryland, Pennsylvania, central and northern New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, far southern Maine, and Washington, DC.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued an "Enhanced Risk" (Level 3 on a 5-tier scale) for severe weather for central Texas for April 28 through early April 29. A "Slight Risk" (Level 2 on a 5-tier scale) for severe weather has been issued for central Texas, Oklahoma, far northwestern Arkansas, northeastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and southwestern New York from for April 28 through early April 29.
Severe storms in the Enhanced Risk regions are forecast to be more numerous, persistent, and widespread than those in the region where a Slight Risk has been issued. Storms in the Slight Risk regions are not forecast to be widespread or long-lived. Isolated intense storms are possible; however, widespread damage is unlikely. Isolated intense storms are possible, which may contain hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes.
Heavy rainfall and flooding will be an additional threat for the eastern and southeastern US. As a result, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a "Moderate Risk" for excessive rainfall for eastern Oklahoma, far northwestern Arkansas, and far southwestern Missouri, where the heaviest rainfall is forecast. A Slight Risk for excessive rainfall is in effect for portions of central and eastern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, far northern Louisiana, Arkansas, northwestern Mississippi, western Tennessee, southern Missouri, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and far northern Kentucky. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Government Advisories
As of April 28, officials with the National Weather Service have issued a tornado watch for portions of northeastern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, and far northwestern Arkansas through at least 10:00 CDT April 28. Additionally, flood watches and warnings are in effect across portions of eastern Oklahoma, southern Missouri, southern Illinois, far southern Indiana, and northwestern Kentucky.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes across the affected area through at least early April 30. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways including I-20, I-35, I-40, and I-70 corridors. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Out of an abundance of caution, confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
