US: Adverse weather forecast across South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least early March 4

Event

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley through at least early March 4. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of north and east Texas, southeast Oklahoma, central and southern Arkansas, central and northern Louisiana, Mississippi, and far southwest Tennessee March 2. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is in place from northeast Texas to the Tennessee Valley through early March 2, from eastern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma eastwards into southern Tennessee, far northwestern Georgia, and far western Florida March 2, and from far eastern Mississippi, central Tennessee, and southeastern Kentucky eastwards into South Carolina, far western North Carolina, and far western Virginia March 3 through early March 4. The storms will likely be accompanied by damaging winds and possible tornadoes.

The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a moderate risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across central Arkansas and the Mid-South March 2. A slight risk of excessive rainfall is in place for northeastern Arkansas, far northern Mississippi, far northern Alabama, Tennessee, and far northwestern Georgia March 1 and from northeastern Texas and eastern Oklahoma northeastward into southern Indiana, western Kentucky, and central Tennessee March 2.

As of early March 1, the National Weather Service issued flood and flash flood watches and warnings across most of Arkansas and western Tennessee. Authorities will likely update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days as the storm progresses and weather conditions change.

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.

Resources

National Weather Service