29 Dec 2021 | 02:40 AM UTC
India: Adverse weather forecast across multiple regions through at least Dec. 30
Severe weather forecast across multiple regions in India through Dec. 30. Possible transport, business, and utility disruption.
Event
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning are forecast across parts of northern and central India through at least Dec. 30. The affected area includes Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, most of Maharashtra, Odisha, eastern Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, and northern West Bengal states as well as the National Capital Territory. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) thunderstorm, heavy rain, hail, and lightning warnings for Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and western Maharashtra states through Dec. 29. Yellow warnings have been issued for the rest of the affected area through Dec. 30. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity across much of India. 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 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. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
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 also cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
The disruptive weather may cause some delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Seek updated information on weather and related disruptions, including road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices if prolonged electricity outages occur.
