US: Strong thunderstorms, flooding forecast for Midwest, Plains Apr. 30 – May 1

Event

Strong thunderstorms are forecast and flood watches and warnings are in effect from the Great Plains through the Midwest on Tuesday, April 30, into Wednesday, May 1. Heavy rainfall, damaging hail, high winds (with gusts over 100 kph [60 mph]), and isolated tornadoes are forecast from Texas state northward to central Illinois state on Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening (local time). On Wednesday, severe weather is forecast to affect areas from central Texas state northward to south-central Missouri state. The heaviest rain associated with the storm system is forecast from eastern Oklahoma state to central Illinois state, with widespread totals of 5-10 cm (2-4 in) of rainfall expected across the region.

Forecast heavy rainfall totals have prompted meteorological authorities to issue flood watches and warnings in Texas state, Oklahoma state, Arkansas state, Kansas state, Missouri state, Illinois state, and Iowa state as of Tuesday morning. Widespread transportation disruptions (including flight delays and cancelations) and power outages are to be expected in affected areas.  

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate flooding, telecommunications and power outages, and widespread transportation disruptions (including due to flight disruptions and road obstructions), stockpile sufficient food, water, and medical supplies, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.