US: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through at least Jan. 26

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the central and southern US through at least Jan. 26. An influx of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico will lead to several rounds of heavy rainfall across the south and southeast over the coming days. Rainfall totals of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) are possible across parts of the region through Jan. 26. Rising temperatures may also lead to thawing snow and ice in parts of the region, which could exacerbate the flood risk in affected areas. Farther to the north, a band of mixed wintry precipitation, including freezing rain, ice, and snow, is expected from northern Texas to the Great Lakes Jan. 22-23. Snow and ice may result in hazardous road conditions in affected areas.

As of early Jan. 22, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued ice storm warnings across parts of far eastern Oklahoma, western Arkansas, and southern Missouri and winter storm warnings across parts of central, eastern, and southern Oklahoma. Winter weather advisories are in place across a wider area from northern Texas northeastward to southern Michigan.

Flash flood warnings and flood advisories are in place for parts of central Texas early Jan. 22. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has forecast a slight risk of excessive rainfall for parts of eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, western Lousiana, and southwestern Arkansas Jan, 22-23 and for eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, Lousiana, central and southern Arkansas, and western Mississippi Jan. 23-24. The threat of heavy rainfall is then expected to shift slightly eastward through Jan. 26. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Where precipitation falls as snow, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and snowfall accumulations will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow and ice accumulations will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding or snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.