26 Feb 2021 | 03:19 PM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across portions of eastern regions through at least early March 1.
Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding forecast across eastern US through at least March 1. Disruptions possible.
Event
Rounds of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding associated with a low-pressure system are forecast to occur across portions of the eastern US through at least early March 1. The affected area includes far eastern Texas, far southeastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, northern Louisiana, northern and central Mississippi, southeastern Missouri, far southern Illinois, northern Alabama, Tennessee, far southern Indiana, far northern Georgia, far northwestern South Carolina, western North Carolina, Kentucky, western Virginia, far southern Ohio, and West Virginia. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a "Slight Risk" for excessive rainfall for far southeastern Missouri, far southern Illinois, far southern Indiana, northwestern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, far northeastern Mississippi, and far northern Alabama, where the heaviest rainfall is forecast. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours and damaging winds across the affected area through at least early March 1. Should sustained heavy rainfall occur, it could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel 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 regional airports. 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 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 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. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
