As Memorial Day weekend approaches, many Americans are gearing up for travel, outdoor celebrations, and time with family. However, a persistent and evolving severe weather pattern threatens to disrupt plans across much of the central and southern United States. According to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, while the most intense tornado outbreaks may subside slightly, the risk to life and property remains serious heading into the holiday.
Widespread Threats Continue Midweek
An outbreak of severe storms that began earlier in the week has already resulted in nearly 300 reports of high winds, hail, and tornadoes. These conditions extended into Tuesday night and are expected to linger into Wednesday evening across several regions.
- Southern U.S.: The southeastern corner of the country may see enough warmth Wednesday afternoon and evening to re-energize storms. Severe weather in this area could persist until dry air eventually moves in.
- Mid-Atlantic Region: Brief but strong thunderstorms are possible from eastern Ohio to western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and Garrett County, Maryland. Hazards include strong wind gusts, large hail, a few isolated tornadoes, and the potential for flash flooding.
- Lower Mississippi Valley: Late Wednesday night could bring another round of dangerous storms to western Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and northern Alabama.
Storm Cycle Resets Late Week
The threat doesn’t end midweek. Instead, the severe weather pattern is expected to reload, shifting focus back to the Central Plains beginning Thursday.
- Thursday Afternoon to Night: Severe thunderstorms are forecast from central and southern Texas to southern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. These storms may appear sporadic but could become particularly intense, with threats of powerful wind gusts and large hail.
- Friday: The danger zone expands northward, affecting parts of northwestern and north-central Texas, central and western Oklahoma, western Kansas, eastern Colorado, and southwestern Nebraska. High winds, hail, flash flooding, and isolated tornadoes remain concerns.
Weekend and Memorial Day Forecast
As the weekend progresses, these storms are expected to slowly shift eastward:
- Saturday and Sunday: Areas from the South Central states to the southern Mississippi Valley and the Gulf Coast are in line for potential storm activity.
- Memorial Day (Monday): Severe weather could reach into the Southeastern U.S., affecting holiday celebrations and travel plans.
Stay Prepared and Informed
Those planning road trips, camping, or outdoor gatherings should remain vigilant. The greatest storm activity is expected from midday through the evening hours, when storm coverage tends to increase.
Key recommendations:
- Monitor local forecasts daily through Memorial Day.
- Be aware of surroundings, especially when traveling or staying in unfamiliar areas.
- Have a weather emergency plan in place, particularly when outdoors or on the road.
Even with some decline in tornado activity, the risk of damaging weather is far from over.
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