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.
ICYMI: Nearly half of all Chicago flights face delays
43 per cent of flights at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport were delayed as of Friday afternoon, according to FlightAware. The average delay is roughly one hour, FlightAware reports.
More than 500 flights had been delayed and 18 canceled since thunderstorms blew into the region on Friday morning.
Memorial Day travelers going to the midwest or central US may also see their celebrations dampened as the National Weather Service forecasts dangerous thunderstorms with large hail and potential tornadoes.
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.
43 per cent of flights at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport are delayed as of Friday afternoon, according to FlightAware. More than 500 flights have been delayed and 18 canceled since thunderstorms blew into the region this morning.
New York City’s LaGuardia Airport and John F Kennedy International Airport had almost 700 delays and 90 cancellations on Thursday after a severe storm hit the area.
Be cautious: Extreme fire danger expected in several states this weekend
Areas of several states, including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are under red flag warnings for extreme fire danger this weekend.
These conditions are exacerbated by high winds, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions in the southwestern US, according to the National Weather Service.
On Thursday, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a warning to celebrate Memorial Day responsibly — and a reminder that fireworks are banned on BLM-managed public lands.
Extreme fire danger, excessive heat expected in several states this weekend
Areas of several states, including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are under red flag warnings for extreme fire danger this weekend.
These conditions are exacerbated by high winds, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions in the southwestern US, according to the National Weather Service.
On Thursday, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a warning to celebrate Memorial Day responsibly — and a reminder that fireworks are banned on BLM-managed public lands.
Meanwhile, Corpus Christi and much of southern Texas will face excessive heat this weekend.
The heat index — that is, what the temperature feels like to people — could reach up to 118F.
“Take extra precautions when outside,” the National Weather Service advises. “Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Watch out: Southern Texas to face dangerous heat this Memorial Day Weekend
Corpus Christi and much of southern Texas will face excessive heat this weekend.
The heat index — that is, what the temperature feels like to people — could reach up to 118F.
“Take extra precautions when outside,” the National Weather Service advises. “Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
ICYMI: Midwest facing hurricane-like conditions from storms this weekend
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.
FORECAST: Severe storms in the central US to last through the holiday weekend
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
ICYMI: Ocean heat and La Nina combo likely mean more Atlantic hurricanes this summer
Get ready for one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons on record, thanks to unprecedented ocean heat and a brewing La Nina, experts say.
With hurricane-like winds already brewing in the Midwest this holiday weekend, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming hurricane season:
Experts warn of record Atlantic hurricanes this summer – and they could come early
90% of hurricane deaths are in water and they are preventable, experts said
Great Plains states bracing for ‘violent’ tornadoes today
“Violent” tornadoes with wind gusts exceeding 90 miles per hour are likely in Oklahoma and Kansas today, according to the National Weather Service. Softball-sized hail is also possible in the region.
Dangerous storms will hit much of the central US today, bringing the possibility of “very large hail, hurricane-force gusts, and strong tornadoes” throughout the region, the NWS forecasted on Friday.
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