US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of Ohio Valley, South, and Southeast regions through early April 3 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the Ohio Valley, South, and Southeast regions through at least early April 3. Severe thunderstorms may accompany the heavy downpours at times.

As of late March 31, the US National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood watches across southeastern Indiana, southern and central Ohio, northeastern Kentucky, and most of West Virginia. 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) from the Southern Plains to the Ozarks and into far western Indiana through early April 2 and across parts of the Ohio and Tennessee valleys April 2-early April 3. Slight risks of severe thunderstorms are in place from eastern Texas northeastwards into western West Virginia through early April 2 and from central Mississippi and central Alabama northeastwards into central West Virginia, southern Ohio, and southern Indiana April 2-early April 3. Tornadoes are possible across the affected area.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has forecast a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) from the Ozark region northeastwards across the mid-Mississippi Valley into the Ohio Valley through early April 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 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.