10 Mar 2022 | 02:26 PM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions through at least early March 13 /update 1
Thunderstorms forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions, US, through at least early March 13. Disruptions possible.
Event
A developing storm system off the Upper Gulf Coast will bring thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and isolated hailstorms across parts of the South and Southeast regions through at least early March 13. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding, and the storms could spawn tornadoes across parts of the affected area.
Government Advisories
With the storms unlikely to develop until late March 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) has not issued any weather warnings across the affected area as of early March 10. However, the NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of a "Slight Risk" of severe thunderstorms across southeastern Alabama, the Florida panhandle, the northern Florida peninsula, southern Georgia, and parts of the Carolinas March 11-12. There is a "Marginal Risk" of thunderstorms for surrounding areas from the central Louisiana coast northeast to North Carolina. The at-risk areas shift slightly northeast March 12-13, with a slight risk of thunderstorms from northern Florida and southeast Georgia into the eastern Carolinas and tidewater region of Virginia. NWS's Weather Prediction Centre has also warned of a "Slight Risk" of excessive rainfall for parts of the Florida panhandle and northern Florida peninsula, as well as southern Georgia, March 11-12. 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 regional airports. 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. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelter if tornado warnings are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
