US: Adverse weather forecast to continue across southern, southeastern, and central regions through at least early May 28 /update 3

Severe weather is forecast to continue across parts of the southern, southeastern, and central US through at least early May 28. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast. 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.

As of May 26, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tornado watches and warnings and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings across northeastern Arkansas, southern Missouri, northwestern Tennessee, western Kentucky, southern Illinois, and southern Indiana through at least early May 27. Severe thunderstorm watches and warnings are in place from western and central Pennsylvania southwards into central Virginia and southwestwards into western South Carolina through southern Missouri, central and southwestern Tennessee, central Kentucky, and southern Illinois. 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 the mid-Missippisspi Valley into the lower Ohio River Valley and an enhanced risk area surrounding the moderate risk area from northeastern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri eastwards into Tennessee, Kentucky, and far northwestern Georgia through early May 27. There is a slight risk of severe storms for a wide area from northeastern Texas, Arkansas, and southern Missouri eastward into the mid-Atlantic Region through early May 27 and from the mid-Atlantic Region into the Southeast May 27-early May 28.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a moderate risk of excessive rainfall (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) for parts of Kentucky, northern Tennessee, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and southeastern Missouri through early May 27. There is a slight risk of excessive rainfall from far northeastern Arkansas and southeastern Missouri eastwards into far western North Carolina, Kentucky, and far western Virginia through early May 27 and across portions of the northern mid-Atlantic states May 27-early May 28. As of late May 26, more than 72,000 people in Arkansas, 145,00 people in Kentucky, 93,000 people in Missouri, 91,000 people in Virginia, and 97,000 people in West Virginia are without power.

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.