09 May 2023 | 02:46 PM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across central, north-central, and south-central regions through at least early May 12
Severe weather forecast across parts of the central, north-central, and south-central US, through May 12. Tornadoes and flooding possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across parts of the central, north-central, and south-central US through at least early May 12. Heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of southeastern Texas and surrounding areas May 9-10, and the heavy downpours could trigger flash flooding in the region. Rainfall totals of more than 13 cm (5 inches) are possible in the worst affected areas of southeastern Texas. Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are likely across parts of the central plains May 9-11 and the northern plains May 10-11. Damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany thunderstorms.
As of May 9, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings across parts of southern Nebraska and northern Kansas and severe thunderstorm watches for surrounding areas of southern Nebraska and northern and central Kansas. The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms from north-central to southeast Kansas on May 9 and a slight risk of severe storms for surrounding areas of Kansas, southern Nebraska, northern Oklahoma, and southwestern Missouri. There is a further slight risk of severe storms across parts of the central and northern plains through early May 12.
The NWS's Weather Prediction has warned of a moderate risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall over parts of southeastern Texas May 9-early May 11. There is a slight risk of excessive rainfall for surrounding areas of southeastern Texas and into southwestern Louisiana May 9-early May 10, as well as a separate slight risk area across parts of central, eastern, and northern Kansas and southern Nebraska. There is a further slight risk of excessive rainfall for parts of eastern and southern Texas, western Louisiana, central, southern, and western Arkansas, eastern and southeastern Oklahoma, far northwestern Nebraska, western South Dakota, eastern and northeastern Wyoming, and southeastern Montana May 10-early May 11. The slight risk continues over parts of northwestern and western Nebraska, eastern and northern Wyoming, western South Dakota, southwestern and western North Dakota, and eastern and southeastern Montana May 11-early May 12.
Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
The severe weather may 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. Flight disruptions are also possible. 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 across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with 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.
