20 Apr 2022 | 03:49 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across the South through at least early April 21
Adverse weather forecast across the South, US, through at least early April 21. Tornadoes and flooding possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across portions of the South through at least early April 21. Thunderstorms will likely be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail storms, and possible tornadoes.
The storms will likely impact some of the same areas of the southern US hit by severe thunderstorms late March. Reports indicate 81 tornadoes occurred across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama, and northwestern Florida March 21-23. The tornadoes caused widespread damage to property and resulted in power outages impacting thousands. Additional rainfall over already saturated ground is likely to result in floods and flash floods.
Government Advisories
The National Weather Service (NWS) has yet to issue any widespread weather alerts as of late April 19 since to the forecast main impact of the storms are unlikely to arrive until the afternoon of April 20, However, authorities will likely issue watches and warnings over the coming hours and days as the storm progresses.
The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of a "Slight Risk" (Level 2 on a five tier-scale) of severe thunderstorms across southeastern Kansas, central and eastern Oklahoma, far northwestern Arkansas, and far southwestern Missouri through at least early April 21.
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.
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, as well as tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
Transport
The severe weather will likely 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 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 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.
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.
