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.
WATCH: Thunderstorms threaten Interstate 95 as Memorial Day travel begins
LaGuardia airport leads in delays on Thursday afternoon
LaGuardia Airport in New York City is experiencing the highest number of delays in the US as of Thursday afternoon, according to FlightAware.
109 flights have been delayed and another nine canceled out of the New York airport as thunderstorms hit portions of the Interstate 95 corridor today.
Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts is at 68 delays and six cancellations on Thursday afternoon as well.
Meanwhile, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is trailing just behind LaGuardia as Texas braces for isolated severe storms and extreme heat, according to the National Weather Service.
WATCH: Memorial Day Weekend travel could break records
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 Thursday or 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.
FORECAST: Thunderstorms threaten Interstate 95 as Memorial Day travel begins
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 today and tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service
Those celebrating at the beachfront destination may also face a brutal heat index of over 100F next week.
Don’t plan on outdoor activities this weekend: 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.
Where did Memorial Day start and why do Americans celebrate it?
Memorial Day, which also marks the unofficial start to summer, is observed annually on the last Monday of May, with most Americans receiving the day off from work.
The nation commemorates the holiday with a service at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, with the president typically laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Read more about the holiday from The Independent’s Chelsea Ritschel:
Where did Memorial Day start and why do Americans celebrate it?
On Monday 29 May, Americans honour those who have died while serving in the nation's military
Don’t plan on outdoor activities this weekend: 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.
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