US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of Ohio Valley, North Central, and South regions through early April 18

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the Ohio Valley, North Central, and South regions through at least early April 18. Severe thunderstorms may accompany the heavy downpours at times.

As of late April 14, the US National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood warnings across scattered parts of eastern Texas, western Louisiana, southern Arkansas, Indiana, and Illinois. 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) across parts of Nebraska, Kansas, western Oklahoma, and western North Texas April 15 and southern Iowa and northern Missouri April 16. Slight risks of severe thunderstorms are in place from southwestern Texas northwards into southern South Dakota and southwestern Iowa April 15, from southeastern Texas northwards and northeastwards into far southern Wisconsin, northern Iowa, Illinois, and western Indiana April 16, and northwestern Tennessee northwards into far southwestern Ohio, far southeastern Illinois, and southern Indiana April 17 through early April 18. Tornadoes are possible across the affected area.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has forecast a marginal risk of excessive rainfall (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) across parts of the affected area through early April 18.

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 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 rain 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 probably contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will 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 employees' inability to reach work sites.