06 Jul 2023 | 02:04 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through early July 8 /update 1
Adverse weather likely across the central and southern US through early July 8. Transport and utility disruptions likely; tornados possible.
Event
Severe thunderstorms are forecast across parts of the West North Central, South, and Southwest regions through early July 8. Heavy downpours, large hail, high winds, and tornadoes are possible during storms. As of late July 5, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings across parts of southeastern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico.
The NWS Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across eastern Colorado into western Kansas and far northwestern Oklahoma July 6 through early July 7. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is in place across parts of the Central and Southern Plains through early July 6, from far northeastern Texas and northwestern Oklahoma northwestward into far southeastern Montana and southwestern South Dakota July 6 through early July 7, and from the central High Plains region eastwards across parts of Kansas and Oklahoma and into western Missouri July 7 through early July 8. The NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across portions of central and northeastern Oklahoma through early July 6, across portions of the Central and Southern Plains July 6 through early July 7, and over portions of the Central and Southern Plains into the middle Mississippi Valley July 7 through early July 8. 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 will likely 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.
