Flood Warnings Continue on Kansas and Oklahoma Rivers While Pakistan Braces for Dust Storms and Heavy Rain
Flooding is underway along rivers in Kansas and Oklahoma while the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread dust storms, thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and possible urban flooding and landslides across much of the country from June 11–13.
Ongoing River Flooding in the Central United States
Minor flooding continues on Salt Creek at Barnard in Lincoln County, Kansas, approaching the flood of record. [1] Water is expected over North 250th Road near the bridge when the stage reaches 23.0 feet. [1] The flood warning for this location remains in effect until tomorrow afternoon. [1]
Moderate flooding is occurring and forecast on the Neosho River near Commerce in Ottawa County, Oklahoma. [2] This situation is expected to produce agricultural flooding, flooding at Riverview Park and closure of State Highway 125 near the fairgrounds. [2] The warning for the Neosho River near Commerce continues until early Saturday morning. [2]
Minor flooding continues on the Neosho River at Oswego, affecting Labette and Cherokee counties in Kansas. [3] At 19.5 feet, water nears Xavier Road leading north from the river gage. [3] The stage was recorded at 18.3 feet at 7:00 AM CDT Wednesday, and the river is expected to remain above flood stage through early Friday afternoon. [3]
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for parts of Caldwell, Daviess and Livingston counties in north-central Missouri. [5] The warning covers southeastern Daviess County, central Caldwell County and Livingston County until 9:30 AM CDT. [5] At 8:37 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm located near Hamilton was moving east at 50 mph, with radar indicating 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail. [5] Impacts include expected damage to roofs, siding and trees. [5]
Pakistan Meteorological Department Issues Severe Weather Alert
Heavy rain and hail fall during severe weather in Latvia. — Source: lsmlatvia
The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Wednesday predicted dust and windstorms, rain and thunderstorms across most parts of the country from June 11–13. [4] A western disturbance is likely to approach the upper parts of the country on June 11 and persist until June 13. [4] Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also likely to penetrate the upper and central parts of the country from June 11. [4]
Scattered dust and windstorms, rain and thunderstorms along with isolated heavy falls and hail are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Noor Pur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Kot Addu from June 11–13, with occasional gaps. [4] Similar conditions are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa locations including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu and Kurram. [4]
Scattered rain, wind and thunderstorms with some hail are also expected in Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, and in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar. [4] Dust and windstorms, rain and thunderstorms are expected in the northeastern parts of Balochistan, specifically Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qilla Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti. [4] Dust and windstorms are also expected in upper Sindh’s Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad. [4]
Expected Impacts and Hazards in Pakistan
The PMD warned that strong winds, hail and lightning may damage weak structures such as solar panels, electric poles and billboards. [4] Urban flooding caused by heavy rains is possible in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad. [4] Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from June 11–13. [4]
Government and Emergency Response Preparations
In an advisory, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Punjab requested all district administrations and line departments to ensure sufficient round-the-clock staffing at District Emergency Operations Centres for effective coordination. [4] Authorities have been directed to deploy additional staff and resources to high-risk areas and to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of safety information and evacuation plans via electronic and social media. [4] The PDMA also requested situation reports to regularly cover major developments, along with data collection and reporting for post-flood analysis and improvements. [4] The Motorway Police have been directed to ensure regular traffic advisories, timely updates on road conditions and guidance on safe travel. [4] Rescue 1122 has been directed to remain alert and pre-position search and rescue teams and necessary equipment. [4]
Safety Advisories for the Public
The statement advised farmers to manage their crops in line with prevailing weather conditions and urged tourists and travellers to exercise caution, advising them to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. [4] All concerned authorities are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period. [4]
What to watch next: Continued minor flooding on Salt Creek at Barnard until tomorrow afternoon, moderate flooding on the Neosho River near Commerce until early Saturday morning, and the three-day period of scattered dust and windstorms, rain, thunderstorms and hail across listed regions of Pakistan from June 11–13.
