US: Adverse weather forecast across North Central, South, and Southwest regions through early June 29

Severe weather is forecast across parts of the North Central, South, and Southwest US through at least early June 29. Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall with isolated thunderstorms are likely across the affected region over the coming days. Strong wind gusts, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Heavy downpours may trigger flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of late June 26, the US National Weather Service (NWS) issued flood and flash flood watches and warnings across most of New Mexico, western Colorado, and southeastern Utah as well as scattered parts of the rest of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has forecast a moderate risk of excessive rainfall (the middle level on a five-tier scale) from eastern Montana into the Northern and Central HIgh Plains June 27. There is a slight risk of excessive rainfall from northeastern Utah northeastwards and far northeastern Texas and northern Oklahoma northwestward into central North Dakota and central Montana June 27 as well as for northeastern Colorado, most of Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, northern Missouri, and southern Minnesota June 28-early June 29.

The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has forecast a slight risk of excessive rainfall (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) across portions of New Mexico through early June 27, portions of the southwestern US and the Central and Northern Plains June 27, and across portions of the Midwest and mid-Mississippi Valley June 28.

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.