07 Aug 2023 | 03:20 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across the Northeast, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through early Aug. 9
Severe weather forecast across Northeast, Southeast, and Ohio Valley, US, through early Aug. 9. Transport, utility disruptions likely.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across parts of the Northeast, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least early Aug. 9. 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. 6, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tornado watches across southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and far northwestern Kentucky. Flood watches are in place across northwestern Illinois, far southwestern Iowa, and far northeastern Missouri.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across the mid-Atlantic states into the southern Appalachians and Carolinas Aug. 7 through early Aug. 8. Slight risks of severe thunderstorms are in place over much of southern Illinois, Kentucky, southern Indiana, and far southwestern Ohio through early Aug. 7, across portions of the central High Plains as well as from southern New York south and southwestwards into central Alabama, central Georgia, and central south Carolina Aug. 7 through early Aug. 8, and across portions of the central Plains Aug. 8 through early Aug. 9.
The NWS's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has warned of a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall for portions of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic through early Aug. 7, over much of the Northeast Aug. 7 through early Aug. 8, and across northern New England and northern New York Aug. 8 through early Aug. 9. 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.
