Severe weather threatens to disrupt Memorial Day weekend travel for millions in the South, Plains, and Mississippi Valley, with approximately 13 million people—from Texas to Alabama—at risk. Areas like Memphis, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa are expected to experience large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for isolated tornadoes. On Saturday, Oklahoma and Arkansas were under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch due to storms capable of producing 70 mph winds and 2-inch hail, with warnings remaining until 4 p.m. ET.
By Sunday, the severe weather risk expands to 15 million people, including those in Memphis, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Birmingham, Alabama. While the tornado risk remains low, the threat of large hail and strong gusts persists. Memorial Day itself will bring a slight risk in parts of Texas, affecting nine million around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, alongside potential flash flooding across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, with rainfall totals possibly reaching 4 to 6 inches, and localized areas seeing up to 10 inches.
The holiday forecast indicates rainy weather spanning from the Dakotas to the Gulf and Southeast, with temperatures in the Plains and Mid-Atlantic projected to be 10 to 20 degrees below average, ranging from the 50s to 70s. Conversely, the Northeast could see a mix of sun and clouds, while the West enjoys sunny and mild conditions.
In terms of travel, the Transportation Security Administration reported a significant spike, screening over three million travelers on Friday, marking it as one of the busiest travel days ever. With roughly three million expected to travel over the weekend, airlines are advising passengers to arrive at least two hours early for their flights.
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