US: Adverse weather forecast across southern and southeastern regions through at least early March 10

Severe weather, including heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms, is forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions through at least early March 10. Storms may be accompanied by strong winds, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of late March 6, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has not yet issued any flood or flash flood watches and warnings in relation to the storm. Authorities will likely issue new alerts as the storm progresses over the coming days.

The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk of severe thunderstorms (the second lowest level on a five-tier scale) for parts of the southern Great Plains March 7-early March 8, across parts of the Ark-La-Tex into the lower Mississippi Valley and central Gulf Coast states March 8-early March 9, and across parts of the Southeast March 9-early March 10. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has forecast a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) for parts of the lower Mississippi Valley into the Southeast March 8-early March 9.

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 likely 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.