13 Jun 2023 | 11:10 PM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across southeastern and southern regions through at least early June 16 /update 2
Severe weather forecast across parts of the Southeast and South US through early June 16. Tornadoes and flooding possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of the Southeast and South through at least early June 16. Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are likely over the coming days. Large hail, high winds, and tornadoes are possible during severe storms.
As of late June 13, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for parts of southeastern Colorado, northeastern New Mexico, northern and northeastern Texas, western Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, southern Alabama, northern Florida, and southern Georgia.
The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across north-central Texas through early June 14 and from northeastern Louisiana across central Mississippi and Alabama, and into southwestern Georgia June 14 through early June 15. There is a slight risk of severe storms across most of the rest of the affected area through early June 15. The NWS's Weather Prediction has warned of a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall from the Ark-La-Tex into southwestern Georgia through early June 14, for portions of the Southeast June 14, and for southern Georgia June 15 through early June 16. 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.
