US: Adverse weather forecast across southeastern regions through early Jan. 13

Adverse weather is forecast across parts of the southeastern US through at least early Jan. 13. A low-pressure system is forecast to generate rounds of severe storms around the Ark-La-Tex region late Jan. 11 before spreading eastward through the Deep South and toward the Mid-Atlantic through Jan. 12. 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 Jan. 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued wind advisories across much of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Flood warnings are also in place for various river catchments across the region. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across the Ark-La-Tex region late Jan. 11-early Jan. 12 and a slight risk of severe storms in surrounding areas of eastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, central and northern Louisiana, central and southern Arkansas, and western Mississippi. There is a further enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across parts of east-central Alabama, central Georgia, central South Carolina, and west-central North Carolina Jan. 12-early Jan. 13. There is also a slight risk of severe storms for surrounding areas of southeastern Louisiana, central and southern Mississippi, central and southern Alabama, central and northern Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, central and southern North Carolina, and southern Virginia Jan. 12-early Jan. 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 may temporarily close low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather will likely cause flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable 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.