15 Mar 2023 | 04:00 PM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across parts of the South and Southeast regions through at least early March 18
Severe weather forecast across parts of the South and Southeast, US through early March 18. Disruptions likely; tornadoes possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of the South and Southeast through at least early March 18. Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop across parts of the Southern Plains towards the lower Mississippi Valley March 16-early March 17 before shifting eastwards to parts of the Gulf Coast March 17-18. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of north-central and northeastern Texas, south-central and southeastern Oklahoma, and far southwestern Arkansas March 16-17. A slight risk of severe thunderstorms is in place for surrounding areas of central, eastern, and northern Texas, central, southern, and eastern Oklahoma, southwestern Arkansas, and northwestern Louisiana. There is also a slight risk of severe thunderstorms for parts of southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle March 17-18. The storms will likely be accompanied by damaging winds and possible tornadoes.
The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across eastern Texas, southern Arkansas, and central and northern Louisiana March 16-17. There is a marginal risk of excessive rainfall across much of the rest of the affected area March 16-18.
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.
