20 Jul 2023 | 04:32 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across the South, Southwest, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through early July 22
Severe weather likely across South, Southwest, Southeast, Ohio Valley, US through early July 22. Transport and utility disruptions likely.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across parts of the South, Southwest, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least early July 22. Heavy downpours, large hail, high winds, and possible tornadoes may accompany severe thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds will likely cause property damage and power outages.
As of late July 19, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm watches across eastern Colorado, far western Oklahoma, western Kansas, and northeastern New Mexico. Flood and flash flood watches and warnings are in place across far southeastern Missouri, far southern Illinois, southwestern Kentucky, and northwestern Tennessee. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has warned of a moderate risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall for western Kentucky and western Tennessee through early July 20. Slight risks of excessive rainfall are in place from central Missouri southeastward into western North Carolina, far western South Carolina, and far northern Georgia through early July 20, across portions of the central and southern High Plains and eastern US July 20, and across the mid-South and northeastern New Mexico July 21 through early July 22.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of the southern and central High Plains July 20 through early July 21. Slight risks of severe thunderstorms are in place across parts of the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and the Carolinas over the same period. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Authorities in Kentucky declared a state of emergency July 19 due to heavy rainfall resulting in flooding. Western Kentucky, including Mayfield City, was the worst hit. Authorities closed several roads across the state July 19 due to flooding and damage, but have since reopened most roads.
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.
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.
