02 Aug 2023 | 02:52 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across central regions through early Aug. 4.
Severe weather forecast across central US, through early Aug. 4. Transport, utility disruptions likely.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across parts of the central US through at least early Aug. 4. 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 Aug. 1, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood and flood watches and warnings across northeastern Colorado, far northwestern Kansas, most of Missouri, far western Nebraska, and eastern Wyoming. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has warned of a moderate risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall for portions of eastern Missouri through early Aug. 2 and for portions of the mid-Mississippi Valley Aug. 2 through early Aug. 3. Slight risks of excessive rainfall are in place across northeastern Colorado, southwestern Iowa, far northwestern Kansas, the rest of central and eastern Missouri, and southwestern Nebraska through early Aug. 2, across north central Colorado, southeastern Idaho, northern Utah, and western and central Wyoming and from southeastern Iowa southeastwards into far northwestern Tennessee, western Kentucky, and far southwestern Indiana Aug. 2 through early Aug. 3, and across portions of the Tennessee Valley and northern and central Plains Aug. 3 through early Aug. 4.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of a slight risk (level 2 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of central and southern North Dakota and from northeastern Colorado into southwestern Nebraska and northwestern Kansas through early Aug. 2 and from central Missouri into southern Illinois Aug. 2 through early Aug. 3. 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.
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.
