11 Jul 2023 | 07:56 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across central regions through early July 13
Adverse weather likely across much of the central US through early July 13. Transport and utility disruptions likely; tornados possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of the central US through at least early July 13. Thunderstorms are expected to persist across parts of the plains and into the Midwest over the coming days; heavy downpours, large hail, high winds, and tornadoes are possible during storms.
As of early July 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings, as well as flood watches and advisories, across parts of central and south-central Oklahoma. The NWS's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of the central plains, including parts of central and northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas, early July 11. There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms for a much wider area from northern Texas across the central plains and into the Midwest early July 11. There is a further slight risk of severe storms for parts of the northern and central plains late July 11-early July 12 and for much of Missouri and Illinois and adjacent portions of the central plains and Midwest late July 12-early July 13. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across portions of central and southern Oklahoma and far northern Texas through early July 11, across much of Iowa, southeastern South Dakota, eastern Nebraska, and far northern Missouri July 11-12, and over large parts of the Midwest July 12-13. 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.
