Severe Weather Alert: Flash Floods, Heatwaves, and Tornadoes to Disrupt Travel Across the U.S. – Travel And Tour World

With summer weather settling in, the United States is facing a spate of severe weather over the next week that will affect tens of millions of people. From Louisiana to New England, communities are preparing for a pummeling with torrential rain, tidal flooding and heat waves, that could curb travel and close businesses, in addition to disrupting everyday life.

The National Weather Service has issued watches and warnings across several states as tropical rains from the Gulf of Mexico push inland, and the worst conditions are expected on Thursday in southern Louisiana. In the Midwest and Northeast, heat indices (or the “feels like” temperatures) will soar to dangerous levels. The weather is pushing the limits of the human body and making life hard for locals and having an even greater impact on visitors and business.

The Forecast: A Menacing Rainstorm Aims From Louisiana to the Northeast

Thursday’s forecast calls for south Louisiana to get slammed with flash flooding from tropical rains. Parts of the state could see up to 10 inches of rain, posing significant risks of flash flooding. New Orleans and other parts including Lafayette and Lake Charles are under flood watches as storms bring as much as 3 to 4 inches of rain an hour. These types of conditions can overwhelm local drainage systems and put homeowners and vacationers in risky situtations.

And in addition to the rain, tornado warnings have been issued for northern New England, in northern New York to Maine, with the threat of possible damaging winds and a few brief tornadoes in some locations. A flood watch is also in effect for the Mid-Atlantic up into parts of Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina where 2 to 4 inches are forecast.

The heavy rain will stretch into the weekend, with another round of thunderstorms moving through the Northeast and New Mexico, where flash flooding and hail are possible. The recent more intense storms the area has experienced has raised concerns among travelers headed to these places over infrastructure damage and safety.

Travelers, beware: If you’re headed to southern Louisiana, Kentucky or the Northeast in the next few days, check local weather forecasts and don’t drive in flood-prone areas.

Heat waves sweep U.S.: More than 70 million people suffer sweltering weather

As rains and storms drench portions of the country, among the biggest concerns is the dangerous heatwave that is smothering more than 70 million people. Heat indexes are expected to soar up to as high as 114 F in some states in the South, like Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, by Thursday. These high temperatures are putting stress on air conditioning systems and raising the risk of heat-related illness.

Temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic, including Washington, Richmond and Baltimore, will feel like 105°F to 109°F, while across much of the Northeast, including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia, the heat index will range from 95°F to 102°F Through the weekend as warm, sticky air streams off the ocean, many buildings with only fans will feel oppressive at times.

Tourists If in one of these cities, be sure to drink lots of water, stay out of the sun during peak times and rest in air conditioned places. And if you can, plan outdoor adventures in the early morning or in the evening as the sun cools down.

Tornadoes, Wind Gusts and Hail: Midwest and Northeast Brace for Severe Storms

There were at least six reported tornadoes in Wisconsin and Indiana on Wednesday, and some were considered large. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, but the storms struck with strong winds of up to 60 miles per hour, which splintered trees and brought down power lines.

As the system heads east, residents in northern New England should be aware of the possibility of strong winds and the threat of tornadoes, especially in Northern New York and Northern Maine. Travellers to these areas are advised to check the local weather conditions and travel with care as weather conditions may change quickly having an effect on travel and the collection and delivery of mail.

Farther east in Montana, travel will be dangerous to those traveling through these areas from large hail and damaging winds. Effective ImagePIX Yves Herman/ReutersRoads could be closed by downed trees and power lines.

Travelers’ Takeaway: When traveling in territory where tornadoes are likely: Pay close attention to weather forecasts; know where the nearest shelters are; and if you’re told to evacuate or are simply advised to, it’s best have a plan.

Much Water and Much Heat; That’s What’s the Matter With Business and Travel

Flash floods and heatwaves combined are a huge problem for businesses, and for tourists. Other outdoor festivals and events might also have to adjust their timetables, or potentially cancel, during the blazing heat or any flash flooding risk. Within New Orleans and Chicago, the travel industry could be dealt a blow as storm activity and flooding result in domestic and international flight delays.

Business Business Travel: Look for alternatives if weather changes You’re traveling for business and have an outdoor event planned. Make sure your trip insurance includes cancellation or delay due to extreme weather.

For travelers, the stormy conditions could play havoc with sightseeing itineraries, particularly in low-lying areas that are vulnerable to flooding, and visitors should build flexibility into their plans.

Travel Tips: If you’re heading to New Orleans, Chicago and Washington, D.C., for the holidays, be sure your travel plans are as nimble as possible for any delays caused by the weather this month. The assumption being that indoor attractions, museums and galleries perhaps, would be a welcome refuge from the elements.

Navigating Severe Weather In the U.S.

As severe weather continues to pummel parts of the United States, residents and tourists, in particular, must remain prepared and informed. Flash floods, heat waves and powerful storms are together making for an unpleasant week for travelers — whether they crave the comfort of a well-cooled ride on mass transit or the inviting embrace of temperate shores in places like New York City and France, to say nothing of the work of the forces of nature. Everyone from tourists to companies can make their way easily through rough weather, thanks to weather information and good trip planning.