Convergence Blog | Weather Intelligence by AccuWeather for Business

Repeated rounds of severe weather pose threat to business logistics through the weekend

Written by Becky DePodwin | Mar 11, 2021

Forecast

The same storm that will bring blizzard conditions to the Rockies and flooding rainfall to numerous states will also be responsible for producing several rounds of severe weather throughout this weekend.

The first round of severe weather will impact the Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma on Friday afternoon and evening with the potential for multiple weather hazards, including isolated tornadoes, hail, damaging winds, flooding rainfall and lightning. 

On Saturday, storms are expected to fire up along a boundary from central Kansas south through Oklahoma and into central Texas. Storms will shift eastward throughout the day and into Sunday, reaching the lower Mississippi Valley on Sunday.

Impacts

Disruption to outdoor operations is likely, with lightning the most likely and frequent threat as these storms move. Advance warning of lightning strikes is critical for the safety of outdoor workers, giving them time to evacuate and take shelter. Trust the expertise of an AccuWeather meteorologist to notify your site with plenty of time to take action. 

Facilities with complex equipment should review their emergency action plan and ensure that SkyGuard® alerts are actionable triggers within those plans, allowing for machinery to be safely shut down and employees to reach the sheltering area.

The storms this weekend serve as a reminder that severe weather season is here, and it’s anticipated to be an active one. If your operations have changed significantly over the past year, contact us to discuss how we can best meet your needs related to severe weather and keeping your employees safe. 
  • Expect ground logistics disruption due to reduced visibility, ponding of water on roadways, and downed trees and power lines, especially along portions of I-20, I-30, I-35, and I-40
  • Identify hazards most likely to impact your location and cause business disruption 
  • Inventory equipment and identify all weather-related thresholds 
  • Storm shelters should be well-marked and equipped with a disaster supply kit
  • Ensure all employees and visitors on-site have a way to be notified of severe weather
  • Integrate protective actions directly into warning messages