16 May 2023 | 09:12 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across eastern regions May 16
Severe weather forecast across parts of the eastern US through May 16. Tornadoes and flooding possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of the eastern US May 16. A developing cold front is forecast to move across the Mississippi Valley toward the Mid-Atlantic, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to parts of the southern Ohio Vally and into the Appalachian mountain range. Severe thunderstorms could produce strong wind gusts, damaging hail, and possible tornadoes. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.
As of early May 16, the National Weather Service's (NWS's) Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of the southern and central Appalachians mid-late May 16, including parts southern and southeastern Kentucky, northern and northeastern Tennessee, western Virginia, and far northwestern North Carolina. There is a slight risk of severe storms for surrounding areas of central, eastern, and southern Kentucky, central, eastern, and northern Tennessee, southern West Virginia, central and western Virginia, and northern and western North Carolina.
The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall over parts of southeastern Illinois, southern Indiana, central, eastern, and northern Kentucky, southern West Virginia, western Virginia, far western North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. 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 could also 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 possible 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.
