What Your Business Needs to Know About This Week’s Severe Weather in the Central U.S.

It’s spring, and that means flowers blooming, the return of birds and wildlife that have been dormant all winter, and yes, unfortunately, increased chances for severe weather. 

As we head into the second half of this week, a front sweeping across the Central U.S. will bring both a risk of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, damaging winds, large hail, and more. And as we know with any severe storm, the tornado threat is never zero.

As seen on Tomorrow.io’s Map view, states like Colorado may see 50+ mph wind gusts.

Some of the storms could be slow moving, which also increases the threat of heavy downpours with higher rain rates that could trigger flash flooding. Flooding paired with severe thunderstorm presents a situation that can quickly change with little-to-no notice, so those areas hit the hardest must prepare now in order to protect themselves and their businesses. 

Here’s what you need to know based on your unique industry:

Energy & Utilities

The Risks:

• Reduced power generation capacity 
• Power outages from downed lines 
• Limited access for crews to work on repairs

Actions to Consider:

• Alert residential customers to prepare for potential outages 
• Increase generation to meet demand 
• Secure physical assets

Tomorrow.io’s Insights Dashboard shows effects of severe weather conditions, like strong winds, in Houston, TX this weekend on things like energy generation.

Aviation

The Risks:

• Increased delays and cancellations due to lightning
• Risk of aircraft or equipment damage from hail storms and high winds
• Safety risks from lightning, unsecured ground equipment, or high winds

Actions to Consider:

• Follow high-wind protocol and ground flights if needed
• Staff scheduling due to crew time out
• Reroute flights away from storm’s path

Airports in states like Nebraska should be aware of high wind activity and implement appropriate protocol heading into the weekend.

On-Demand

The Risks:

• Unmatched demand from severe weather surge
• Reduced driver safety from flash flooding
• Extended ETAs due to route obstructions

Actions to Consider:

• Incentivize couriers to prepare for demand surge
• Send fleet alerts about severe weather safety
• Adjust routes based on storm path

As seen on the Insights Dashboard, on-demand providers in Kansas City should prepare for a rise in demand as winds increase.

Sports & Entertainment

The Risks:

• Safety threats to fans on game day from lightning, heavy rains, and other inclement conditions
• Player performance disruptions from wind and precipitation
• Missed revenue opportunities without enough wind/rain apparel in stock at retail locations

Actions to Consider:

• Reschedule games/events in the direct path of storms
• Remind fans to bring wind and rain gear
• Warn staff and event-goers about possible transportation disruptions

As seen on the Insights Dashboard, venues like Kaufman Stadium should consider stocking up on rain and wind gear.

Logistics

The Risks:

• Heightened safety risks to drivers and/or operators
• Delayed shipments and drop-offs due to road conditions, potential road closures and traffic conditions
• Damaged cargo and equipment

Actions to Consider:

• Consider rerouting to paths that avoid the storm
• Adjusting driver and delivery schedules 
• Monitor winds and road conditions and inform drivers to reduce speed
• Remind drivers to park and wait out dangerous conditions like lightning to minimize safety risks

Learn How Severe Weather Risk is Impacting Your Business