12 Dec 2022 | 03:23 PM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least Dec. 15
Severe weather forecast across parts of the southern and southeastern US through Dec. 15. Tornadoes and associated disruptions possible.
Event
A weather system will bring a risk of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across parts of the South, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions through at least Dec. 15. As of early Dec. 12, the National Weather Service (NWS) has not yet issued any watches or warnings in relation to the storms; authorities will likely issue new alerts as the storm system approaches and weather conditions change over the coming days. The NWS's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has warned of an "Enhanced Risk" (Level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of far eastern Texas, northern and central Louisiana, and far western Mississippi Dec. 13-early Dec. 14. There is a "Slight Risk" of severe thunderstorms for surrounding areas of eastern Texas, the rest of Louisiana, far southern Arkansas, and southwestern Mississippi. A "Slight Risk" continues across parts of southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, far southwestern Georgia, and parts of the Florida Panhandle through Dec. 14. There is also a "Slight Risk" (Level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall for a wider area including parts of eastern Texas, southeastern Missouri, much of Arkansas, much of Louisiana, western Mississippi, and far western Tennessee Dec. 13-14 and for parts of southeastern Louisiana, central, southern, and eastern Mississippi, much of Alabama, much of Tennessee, northern and western Georgia, the Florida Panhandle, northern South Carolina, and southwestern North Carolina. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
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 and tornado warnings advising the public to shelter in place. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where severe weather impacts utility networks.
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 will also likely trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. 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 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 delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
