US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions through April 3

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions through at least early April 3. Rounds of heavy rainfall are forecast across the Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, and the Gulf States over the coming days. Rainfall totals of more than 10 cm (4 inches) are possible across parts of the region through April 3. Severe thunderstorms may accompany the heavy downpours at times.

As of March 31, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast a slight risk of severe thunderstorms (level 2 on a five-tier scale) for parts of northern Missouri into the Ohio Valley through early April 1; tornadoes are possible in the affected area.

The NWS forecasts an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms (level 3 on a five-tier scale) across parts of the Southern Plains, Middle Mississippi Valley, and Ohio Valley, and a further slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall over parts of the Middle Mississippi and Ohio Valleys from April 1 through early April 2; tornadoes are possible in the affected area.

The NWS has forecast an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across parts of the Ohio Valley and Central Appalachians April 2-3; tornadoes are possible in the affected area.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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 will probably 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.