13 Apr 2022 | 01:28 PM UTC
India: Adverse weather forecast over northeastern and southern regions through at least April 17 /update 3
Heavy rainfall forecast over parts of northeastern and southern India through at least April 17; possible flooding and disruptions.
Event
Heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, possible thunderstorms, and lightning, is forecast across parts of northeastern and southern India through at least April 17. The India Meteorological Department has warned of spells of heavy rainfall over Kerala and Tamil Nadu states, as well as the Puducherry Union Territory cities of Mahle, Karaikal, and Puducherry, in southern India April 13-14 and over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya states in northeastern India April 13-17.
The adverse weather in the south is associated with a weather system in the southeast Arabian Sea, and the IMD has warned that very to very heavy rainfall is likely over Kerala and mountainous areas of Tamil Nadu April 13 and heavy rainfall is likely across Kerala April 14-15 and southern Tamil Nadu April 14. Light to moderate rainfall is forecast to continue across southern India through April 17. Strong winds are likely in coastal areas, and thunderstorms and lightning are possible across the affected area. Southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal will be accompanied by isolated heavy rainfall in the northeast of the country through April 17, with very heavy rainfall expected over Assam and Meghalaya states April 13-15 and Arunachal Pradesh April 14-16.
As of April 13, the IMD has issued orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) weather alerts for thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya states April 14-15 and yellow weather alerts for thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds and lightning across the affected area through April 17.
Hazardous Conditions
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 rainfall 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 possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges and 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, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.
