12 May 2023 | 06:58 AM UTC
US: Adverse weather forecast across central, north-central, and south-central regions through at least early May 14 /update 1
Severe weather forecast across parts of central, north-central, and south-central US, through early May 14. 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 14. Heavy rainfall is forecast to increase across large portions of the Plains and is likely to track from eastern Colorado late May 12, across the Central Plains May 13, and into the Northern Plains May 14. Heavy rainfall over western Kansas into eastern Colorado is likely to continue to expand north and northeastward, while another round of heavy rainfall is likely from South to North Central Texas through May 14. Severe thunderstorms are also possible on the eastern side of the heavy rainfall area, from North Texas and across Oklahoma, Kansas, eastern Colorado, eastern Nebraska, northwest Missouri, and southeast South Dakota into western Iowa May 12-13. Large hail, high winds, and tornadoes are possible.
As of early May 12, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches across parts of southeastern and northeastern Oklahoma through at least early May 12. Flood and flash flood watches and warnings are in place over central and northeastern Colorado, northwestern Kansas, northeastern Montana, western Nebraska, southern and central Texas, and southeastern Wyoming.
The NWS's Storm Prediction Center has warned of an enhanced risk (level 3 on a five-tier scale) of severe thunderstorms across parts of the mid Missouri valley and a slight risk of severe storms for parts of the Southern Plains and surrounding the enhanced risk warning area May 12 through early May 13. There is a further slight risk of severe thunderstorms across parts of Iowa, northwestern Illinois, and southern and southeastern Texas May 13 through early May 14.
The NWS's Weather Prediction has warned of a moderate risk (level 3 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall over parts of the central High Plains through early May 12, portions of south central Texas May 12, and for most of South Texas May 13 through early May 14. A slight risk of excessive rainfall from eastern Colorado and northwestern Kansas northwards into far northeastern Montana and central North Dakota through early May 12, across portions of southern and central Texas, north central Nebraska, central and western South Dakota, and central and western North Dakota May 12, and over southern and central Texas, far eastern New Mexico, and southwestern Oklahoma May 13 through early May 14. Officials could update and extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Reports indicate that around 16 tornadoes occurred in the Plains May 11. Minor damage was reported in Weskan and near McDonald in Kansas.
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.
