25 Apr 2023 | 04:33 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across the South through early April 27
Severe weather forecast across parts of the South, US through early April 27. Tornadoes and flooding possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South through at least early April 27. Damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany the storms. Heavy rainfall is also likely. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds could cause property damage and power outages. Widespread transport disruptions are likely across the affected area during the passage of the storms.
As of late April 24, the National Weather Service's (NWS) Storm Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk (level 2 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms for parts of central and eastern Texas April 25 and over most of central into northern Texas and Ark-La-Tex April 26 through early April 27. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall for parts of southern Kansas into most of Oklahoma, the Red River Valley, and the Arkansas River Valley April 25 and over parts of the Southern Plains into the Ark-La-Tex, Arkansas River Valley, and southern Ozarks. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
The severe weather may 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. Flight disruptions are also possible. 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 cancelations at airports across the affected region, including but not limited to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancelations are likely in areas with 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.
