US: Severe weather forecast across Great Plains and Midwest May 20

Event

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm and flash flood advisories across the Great Plains and Midwest on Monday, May 20, as a large weather system is forecast to produce dangerous weather conditions across several states. Flash flood watches and flood warnings have been issued in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri as of Monday morning (local time). Officials warn the weather system will bring heavy rains, damaging winds, and violent tornadoes, particularly in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles. Wind gusts of 144 kph (90 mph) and rainfall totals exceeding 10 cm (4 in) are forecast through Monday evening from central Texas state to central Oklahoma state. Hailstones capable of inflicting serious damage will accompany heavy rains forecast across the area.

Widespread transportation disruptions (including flight delays and cancelations) and power outages are to be expected in affected areas. 

Context

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated on May 20 that it received 51 tornado reports across the Great Plains between May 17 and May 19, including in portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas states. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. road closures, evacuations), anticipate power outages and transportation disruptions, including dangerous driving conditions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.