19 Jun 2023 | 02:09 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across the Southeast, South, and Ohio Valley regions through at least early June 21
Severe weather forecast across parts of Southeast, South, and Ohio Valley, US, through early June 21. Tornadoes and flooding possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of Southeast, South, and Ohio Valley through at least early June 21. 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 18, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings and watches for parts of southern and eastern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, Mississippi, and western Tennessee. Flood and flash flood watches and warnings are in place across southeastern Mississippi, southwestern Alabama, and far western Florida.
The NWS's Storm Prediction Center warns of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across the lower Mississippi Valley and parts of the Southeast through early June 19. There is a slight risk of severe storms from far eastern Texas northeastward into far southeastern Missouri and far southwestern Kentucky, and eastwards into far southwestern Georgia and western Florida through early June 19. The slight risk of severe storms is forecast to persist across parts of the Southeast from June 19 through early June 20.
The NWS's Weather Prediction warns of a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across portions of the mid and lower Mississippi, lower Ohio, and Tennessee valleys and the Southeast through early June 19, over parts of the Southeast June 19, and across portions of western and central North Carolina, northern South Carolina, northeastern Georgia, and southwestern Virginia from June 20 through early June 21.
Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days. Reports indicate that more than 227,000 people in Oklahoma, 98,000 people in Louisiana, 77,000 people in far eastern Texas, 38,000 people in Arkansas, 38,000 people in Mississippi, and 13,000 people in Tennessee 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.
