21 Feb 2022 | 06:28 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the South, Ohio Valley, and Southeast regions through at least early Feb 23
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms forecast across South, Ohio Valley, and Southeast regions, US through early Feb 23. Disruptions possible.
Event
A low-pressure system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to parts of the South, Ohio Valley, and Southeast regions through at least early Feb. 23. Severe weather, including hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, is possible across the affected area.
Government Advisories
The US National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has warned of a "Slight Risk" of severe thunderstorms from parts of the Southern Plains into the Ozarks and lower to mid-Mississippi Valley the evening of Feb. 21 through early Feb. 22 and across parts of the lower to mid-Mississippi Valley into the Tennessee Valley Feb. 22 through early Feb. 23. Tornadoes and hail are possible across the affected area.
The Weather Prediction Center has warned of a "Slight Risk" of excessive rainfall from northeastern Texas and eastern Oklahoma into the Mid-Mississippi and Lower Ohio Valley Feb. 21 and portions of the Mid-Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee valleys Feb. 22 through early Feb. 23.
As of late Feb. 20, the National Weather Service has issued flood and flash flood watches and warnings for northern Alabama, northern and northeastern Arkansas, southern Illinois, Kentucky, northern Mississippi, southern Missouri, and most of Tennessee. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
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.
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 cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. 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.
