US: Adverse weather forecast across southern and central regions through at least early May 24

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the southern and central US through at least early May 24. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across the affected region. Strong winds, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, especially in areas where river levels are high and the ground is saturated from previous heavy rainfall. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings across central Oklahoma, eastern and central Kansas, northwestern Missouri, and southwestern Iowa. Flash flood and flood warnings are in place for central Kansas. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories over the coming days.

The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms (the second highest level on a five-tier scale) across portions of southern and central Kansas and an enhanced risk from northern Oklahoma northeastwards into eastern Kansas through early May 20. An enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms is in place from eastern Kansas to southwestern Wisconsin May 21. Slight risks of severe thunderstorms are in effect from northern Oklahoma northwestward and northeastward into southwestern Nebraska, western Missouri, and southwestern Iowa through early May 20, across parts of the Central Plains to Midwest May 20, from central Oklahoma northeastward into southeastern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and western Michigan May 21, from central Texas northeastward into southeastern Michigan and Ohio May 22, and northeastern Texas and central Oklahoma eastwards into northwestern Louisiana and central Arkansas May 23 through early May 24.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) across parts of Kansas and Oklahoma through early May 20, parts of the upper Midwest May 21, from northeastern Texas northeastward into southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and western Tennessee May 22, and from northeastern Texas northeastward into far southeastern Missouri, western Tennessee, and far northwestern Mississippi May 23-early May 24.

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 or a lack of 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. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.

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 could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities and some employees' inability to reach work sites.