Just when millions were gearing up for barbecues, road trips, and long-awaited family reunions over Memorial Day Weekend, Mother Nature had other plans.
Forecasters are sounding the alarm: severe storms are set to hit a massive stretch of the U.S., bringing with them travel headaches, heavy rain, and even the threat of tornadoes.
Hail and High Winds Could Disrupt Flights and Roads Across the South
Weather experts have warned that hailstones as large as two inches, along with wind gusts reaching 70mph, are likely to cause flight delays and local transport issues in several states—from Texas to Alabama—especially on Sunday.
Millions are now under storm watches and warnings.
Cities like Memphis, Birmingham, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and even Denver and Colorado Springs are bracing for possible disruptions.
Around 13 million people are in the path of these potential severe thunderstorms.
Tornado Threat Looms While Downpours Drench the Southeast
It’s not just about wind and hail—there’s also a real concern about tornadoes forming in certain parts of the Plains.
The National Weather Service and AccuWeather have both flagged central Oklahoma as a high-risk area for twisters, with heavy thunderstorms expected to sweep in Sunday afternoon and intensify overnight into Memorial Day Monday.
Forecasters say areas as far east as Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina could also see significant rainfall, with localized flooding a growing concern—especially as the ground becomes saturated.
Rain Already Flooding Parts of Missouri Ahead of the Main Storm Front
Some areas are already feeling the effects of this system.
Over five inches of rain fell in parts of Missouri on Saturday alone—an unusually high amount for May.
With such heavy early rainfall, more cities are likely to see flash floods and waterlogged roadways just as travelers hit the highways for the holiday.
Northeast Stays Drenched Too—Even Without the Storms
The Northeast may not be in the direct path of the severe storms, but it hasn’t escaped the wet weather.
Unseasonably heavy rain has been soaking the region throughout the month, further dampening the holiday mood for those staying local.
Hurricane Season Preview Adds Another Layer of Concern
As if that wasn’t enough, meteorologists are warning that 2025’s hurricane season is shaping up to be even more intense than last year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says the U.S. could see up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and at least five major hurricanes this year.
That’s more than 2024, which had 18 named storms and caused around $500 billion in damage, including deadly impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
NOAA Officials Urge Americans to Prepare Now, Not Later
Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service, is urging people to take early action: “Every Category 5 hurricane that’s hit this country started as just a tropical storm three days earlier.”
He’s warning families to stock up on emergency supplies like gas, water, and batteries, before panic buying begins when storms close in.
Laura Grimm, NOAA’s chief of staff, backed the forecast and pointed to the accuracy of last year’s predictions as reason to take this year’s warning seriously.
Funding Cuts Won’t Affect Forecasts, Says NOAA
While the NOAA has seen some budget trimming under the Trump administration, Graham reassured reporters that their storm-tracking capabilities remain fully staffed and operational for the 2025 season.
He added that NOAA’s forecasting tools are also getting a high-tech upgrade, which will allow more accurate five-day outlooks—as reliable as three-day forecasts were back in 2005.
Six Major Hurricanes Expected to Hit the U.S. in 2025
If NOAA and AccuWeather’s projections hold, the U.S. could be staring down the barrel of six major hurricanes this summer alone.
That’s the same number that hit in 2024, bringing with them not just destruction but staggering financial loss.
Meteorologists are now urging people—especially those along the coasts and rivers—to know their risks and evacuation routes before the first storm hits.
What’s Next?
With severe storms, possible tornadoes, and flood alerts already spreading across the South, and a hyperactive hurricane season looming, Americans are facing a rough start to summer.
Whether you’re traveling or staying home this Memorial Day Weekend, it’s a good time to double-check emergency plans, stay weather-aware, and hope the skies clear up soon.