23 Mar 2023 | 03:56 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least early March 25
Severe weather forecast across South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley, US, through early March 25. Disruptions likely; tornadoes possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least early March 25. 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 eastern Louisiana, southwestern Arkansas, and western Mississippi March 24 through early March 25. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is in place for parts of eastern and southern Oklahoma into parts of central Texas through early March 24 and surrounding the enhanced warning areas covering far eastern Texas northeastwards into southwestern Kentucky, central Tennessee, and central Alabama March 24 through early March 25. The storms will likely be accompanied by damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes.
The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a moderate risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across portions of the mid and southern Mississippi Valley through early March 24 and from the Ozarks to the Ohio Valley March 24 through early March 25. A slight risk of excessive rainfall is in place for areas surrounding the moderate warning areas covering northeastern Oklahoma northeastwards into southern Indiana through early March 24 and from Arkansas and northern Mississippi northeastwards into central Ohio, far southwestern Pennsylvania, and western West Virginia March 24 through early March 25.
The NWS has issued flood watches and warnings from central Oklahoma northeastwards into southwestern Ohio. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
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.
