22 Jun 2023 | 03:17 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across the South, Southwest, and West North Central regions through at least early June 24
Severe weather forecast across South, Southwest, and West North Central, US, through early June 24. Tornadoes and flooding possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South, Southwest, and West North Central regions through at least early June 24. 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 21, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for parts of eastern Colorado. Flood and flash flood watches and warnings are in place across western Kansas, southeastern Montana, and southeastern Wyoming.
The NWS's Storm Prediction Center warns of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and northwestern to central Texas through early June 22. There is a slight risk of severe storms from southern and southeastern Texas northward into southeastern Wyoming and far southwestern South Dakota through early June 22 and for parts of southeastern Wyoming, eastern Colorado, and northeastern New Mexico June 22. The slight risk of severe storms is forecast to persist across parts of the Northern and Central Plains June 23 through early June 24.
The NWS's Weather Prediction warns of a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across portions of the Plains through early June 22 and over parts of the High Plains through early June 24.
Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days. Reports indicate that more than 438,000 people in eastern Texas and 78,000 people in northeastern Oklahoma are without power.
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.
