04 Jul 2023 | 02:55 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through early July 6
Adverse weather likely across the central and southern US through early July 6. Transport and utility disruptions likely; tornados possible.
Event
Severe thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the North Central, South, and Ohio Valley regions through early July 6. Heavy downpours, large hail, high winds, and tornadoes are possible during storms. As of late July 3, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings across parts of far southeastern Montana, far northwestern Nebraska, western South Dakota, and eastern Wyoming.
The NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of the northern Great Plains through early July 4 and over northern Kansas and southern Nebraska July 4 through early July 5. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is in place from southeastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming eastwards into far southwestern Minnesota through early July 4, from southeastern Wyoming and eastern Colorado northeastward into Minnesota, northern and western Wisconsin, and far northwestern Michigan July 4 through early July 5, and from the central High Plains region eastwards into the Midwest July 5 through early July 6. The NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across portions of far southeastern Montana, far northeastern Wyoming, northwestern South Dakota, and far southwestern North Dakota through early July 4, and across northeastern Colorado, eastern Nebraska, western and central Iowa, and southern Minnesota July 4 through early July 5. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
The severe weather will likely 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. 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 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 will likely 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. Strong winds could also cause power outages.
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.
