14 Mar 2023 | 10:47 AM UTC
India: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least March 18
Severe weather is forecast across much of India through March 18. Possible flooding and associated disruptions.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across much of India through at least March 18. A weather disturbance is forecast to bring widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail storms across the country over the coming days. The heaviest rainfall is forecast in Arunachal Pradesh State on March 15, southern Chhattisgarh on March 17, and coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana March 17-18. Winds gusting up to 40 kph (25 mph) are forecast across much of the country over the coming days, and hail storms are possible in some central, northeastern, and northern regions.
The India Meteorological Department has issued yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings (the lowest level on a three tier-scale) across central, northeastern, and northern regions on March 14, with yellow hailstorm warnings in place over parts of Maharashtra, West Bengal, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand states. Orange thunderstorm, lightning, and hail storm warnings are in place over northeastern regions March 15 and central regions March 16-17, with yellow warnings issued across many parts of the country through March 18. 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 sustained rounds of rainfall across the affected areas and 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 and 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 affected regions.
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.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.
