US: Adverse weather forecast across central and southern regions through at least May 2

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the central and southern US through at least May 2. Successive low-pressure systems are expected to produce several rounds of severe storms across the affected area from late April 30-May 2. Heavy downpours, strong winds, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of April 24, the US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings across numerous rivers in the affected area due to heavy rainfall in recent days; further heavy downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation. Authorities will likely issue new alerts as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms (the middle level on a five-tier scale) for parts of northeastern Kansas, far southeastern Nebraska, northwestern Missouri, and southern and central Iowa April 30-May 1. There is a slight risk of severe storms for surrounding areas from northern Oklahoma north-northeastward to southern Minnesota and southeastern South Dakota. There is a further enhanced risk of severe storms from far northern Oklahoma across central Kansas to far southern Nebraska and a slight risk from western Texas north-northeastward across west-central Oklahoma and central Kansas to southern Nebraska May 1-2.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) for a wide area across the central and southern plains from east-central Texas northward to central Iowa May 1-2.

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 possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

The severe weather could 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 may 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 possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions will probably 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.