New York City under flood watch, states brace for tornadoes as Memorial Day storms hit East Coast
As storms pelt the East Coast, communities in the central US are mourning the 21 lives lost to severe weather this weekend
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At least 21 people have died, including two children, in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky after violent storms ripped through the central US over Memorial Day weekend.
At least 11 tornadoes swept through affected states on Sunday, with severe weather forecast to continue throughout Memorial Day. On Monday, a staggering 120m Americans were at risk of large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes as storm systems moved towards the Gulf Coast and East Coast, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.
The storms could bring gusts up to 70 miles per hour and quarter-sized hail.
Meanwhile, record-high temperatures are feared in other parts of the country, with excessive heat warnings and heat advisories over southern Texas on Monday.
The death toll climbed to 21 people on Monday.
At least eight people have so far died as a result of the extreme storms in Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a news conference on Sunday evening.
Four people died in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed on Monday morning. The victims included a 67-year-old woman in Mercer County, a 62-year-old woman in Hardin County, a 48-year-old woman in Hopkins County and a 34-year-old man in Jefferson County, the governor said.
A fifth person was injured and is fighting for their life as of Monday afternoon, Mr Beshear said.
Meanwhile in Oklahoma, at least two people were killed in Mayes County after a tornado ripped through the northeast part of the state.
In Texas, multiple tornados were reported throughout the state with one plowing through Cooke County on Saturday night – approximately 50 miles north of Dallas – leaving seven people dead.
The sheriff confirmed that a two-year-old and a five-year-old were among the dead. The victims also included three other family members who were found in a home near Valley View – a rural community close to the Oklahoma border.
Memorial Day flight forecasts
Good news: The worst of the air travel congestion may be behind us this Memorial Day weekend.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said Thursday was expected to be the busiest air travel day for the holiday.
Travel will be at its lowest point on Sunday.
WATCH: Memorial Day Weekend travel could break records
ICYMI: Memorial Day travel expected to hit highest numbers since 2005
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts this weekend will bring the heaviest Memorial Day travel in nearly 20 years.
Some 43.8m people will likely travel at least 50 miles over the weekend, with most of them taking road trips, the AAA said, a 4 per cent increase from 2023. Most of those travellers will take a car to their destination, the AAA predicts.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration expects at least 3m people to pass through security checkpoints this weekend as airports brace for heavy traffic.
The AAA says those driving on Friday should leave early in the day to avoid getting mixed in with people commuting to and from work.
Then, those returning home on Sunday or Monday should avoid driving in the afternoon if possible to stay out of the return rush.
Check marine conditions before boating this weekend: NWS
The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning those celebrating Memorial Day on the water this weekend to check marine conditions before they embark.
“A LOT can change with the weather from the time you leave the shore to when you’re out on the open water,” the NWS wrote on X. “Know before you go!”
With severe thunderstorms expected in many parts of the country this weekend — including the Great Lakes region — marine conditions may become dangerous due to high winds and heavy rain.
Don’t plan on outdoor activities this weekend throughout much of US: NWS
The National Weather Service (NWS) said those celebrating Memorial Day on the East Coast should expect rain each day of the holiday weekend.
Meanwhile, those traveling to the Great Lakes region will be rained on this Sunday and Monday, the NWS forecasts.
If you’re still planning to be outdoors, the NWS previously encouraged people to stay diligent about lightning and dangerous marine conditions.
ICYMI: North Carolina airport workers went on strike as travel kicked off
Charlotte Douglas International Airport workers went on strike Thursday as Memorial Day weekend travel began, local outlet WSOC TV reports.
The North Carolina airport is expecting a busy travel weekend. Airport officials predict that more than 400,000 passengers will originate from or connect at Charlotte Douglas International for their holiday travel.
Popular Memorial Day destination to see strong storms, rip currents
Miami, Florida — a popular vacation destination for Memorial Day weekend — will see strong thunderstorms bringing the risk of rip currents off the southwestern coast, according to the National Weather Service
Those celebrating at the beachfront destination may also face a brutal heat index of over 100F next week.
Iowa, Illinois under severe thunderstorm watches
Eastern Iowa and northern Illinois — including Chicago — are under a severe thunderstorm watch on Friday.
These storms could bring wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour, hail and tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.
Conditions could impact service at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the fourth busiest airport in the US, as millions continue traveling for the holiday weekend.
Memorial Day travel could hit highest numbers since 2005
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts this weekend will bring the heaviest Memorial Day travel in nearly 20 years.
Some 43.8m people will likely travel at least 50 miles over the weekend, with most of them taking road trips, the AAA said, a 4 per cent increase from 2023. Most of those travellers will take a car to their destination, the AAA predicts.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration expects at least 3m people to pass through security checkpoints this weekend as airports brace for heavy traffic.
Storms could continue to impact air travel throughout the weekend.
New York City’s LaGuardia Airport and John F Kennedy International Airport had almost 700 delays and 90 cancellations throughout Thursday after a severe storm hit the area.
Now, Chicago O’Hare International Airport could be impacted by severe thunderstorms in the region today.
Midwest facing hurricane-like conditions from storms: NWS
The Midwest is bracing for storms that could bring “very large hail, hurricane-force gusts, and strong tornadoes” to the region, according to the National Weather Service.
These conditions come amid what is expected to be the busiest Memorial Day Weekend for travelers since 2005.
The NWS has also warned those celebrating outdoors or on the water to be aware of lightning and to check marine conditions before getting on a boat.
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