23 May 2022 | 11:56 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across the South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least early May 26
Adverse weather forecast across the South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions, US through early May 26. Tornadoes, flooding possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across portions of parts of the South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least early May 26. Thunderstorms will likely be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail storms, and possible tornadoes.
Government Advisories
As of late May 22, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches across southern Kansas. Authorities will likely issue watches and warnings over the coming hours and days as the storm progresses.
The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of a "Slight Risk" (Level 2 on a five tier-scale) of severe thunderstorms from southeastern New Mexico and western Texas into the Texas Hill Country May 23, across parts of central, eastern, and northern Texas May 24, and across parts of the Texas Coastal Plain and southwestern Louisiana May 25 through early May 26.
Storms in the Slight Risk regions are not forecast to be widespread or long-lived. Isolated intense storms are possible; however, widespread damage is unlikely. Isolated intense storms are possible, which may contain hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes.
The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a "Slight Risk" for excessive rainfall for the central Gulf Coast into central Alabama through early May 23, for portions of the southern Great Plains and Texas, as well as from the central Gulf Coast into the southern Appalachians May 23, and for portions of Kansas and Missouri through east Texas May 24. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
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, as well as tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. 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 region, including but not limited to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), San Antonio Airport (SAT), Houston International Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Memphis International Airport (MEM), and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in flood- or tornado-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelter if tornado warnings are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
