26 Mar 2023 | 04:23 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions through at least early March 27
Severe weather forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions, US, through early March 27. Disruptions likely; tornadoes possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions through at least early March 27. The National Weather Service's (NWS) Storm Prediction Center Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions through at least early March 27. The National Weather Service's (NWS) Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of far eastern Louisiana, southern and central Mississippi, and southern and central Alabama March 26 through early March 27. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is in place for parts of central and south Alabama and southern Mississippi through early March 26 and surrounding the enhanced warning areas covering far eastern Texas eastwards into southeastern North Carolina and South Carolina March 26 through early March 27. The storms will likely be accompanied by damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes.
The NWS has not yet issued any flood watches and warnings in the affected region but is likely to as the system develops. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Authorities have confirmed 25 fatalities in Mississippi and one death in Alabama, with dozens of other injuries following the passage of a tornado March 24. Authorities in Mississippi declared a state of emergency for all counties affected by the severe weather. The tornado wiped out Rolling Fork Town in Sharkey County, western Mississippi. Search and rescue operations are ongoing across the state. As of late March 25, more than 10,000 people in Alabama are without power.
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 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 and tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
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 will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected 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.has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of far eastern Louisiana, southern and central Mississippi, and southern and central Alabama March 26 through early March 27. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is in place for parts of central and southern Alabama and southern Mississippi through early March 26 and surrounding the enhanced warning areas covering far eastern Texas eastwards into southeastern North Carolina and South Carolina March 26 through early March 27. The storms will likely be accompanied by damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes.
The NWS has not yet issued any flood watches and warnings in the affected region but are likely to as the system develops. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Authorities have confirmed 25 fatalities in Mississippi and one fatality in Alabama following the passage of a tornado last March 24. Dozens more have been injured. Authorities in Mississippi declared a state of emergency for all counties affected by the severe weather. Rolling Fork Town in Sharkey County in western Mississippi has been wiped out. Search and rescue operations are ongoing across the state. As of late March 25, more than 10,000 people in Alabama are without power.
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 and tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
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 will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected 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 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 delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
