US: Adverse weather forecast across southern and southeastern regions through at least March 10 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions through at least March 10. A storm system is expected to move eastward across the region over the coming days, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Strong winds, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of March 7, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches across parts of central Alabama and northern and central Georgia. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has forecast a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) across parts of east-central Texas March 7-8. There is a moderate risk of excessive rainfall for parts of central and eastern Alabama and central and western Georgia and a slight risk across much of Mississippi and Alabama and parts of southeastern Arkansas, northeastern and southeastern Louisiana, northern and central Georgia, northwestern South Carolina, and western North Carolina March 8-9. There is a further slight risk of excessive rainfall across central and eastern South Carolina and southern North Carolina March 9-10,

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 7-8, across parts of the Ark-La-Tex into the lower Mississippi Valley and central Gulf Coast states March 8-9, and across much of the Southeast March 9-10.

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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

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.