Mon May 26 04:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Memorial Day Weekend Threatened by Severe Weather Across the US
**Washington D.C. -** Millions of Americans planning to travel for the Memorial Day weekend face potential disruptions as severe weather threatens several regions across the country. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings on Saturday, May 24th, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms, high winds, and hail for the Southern and Central Plains, potentially impacting both air and ground travel.
Texas is considered a high-risk area, particularly the Dallas-Fort Worth region, which is bracing for a cold front and multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms throughout the holiday weekend. Starting Monday morning, the weather system is expected to intensify, bringing the risk of heavy rain, large hail, and destructive winds. Flash flooding is also a concern in the Texas Hill Country and around San Antonio.
Oklahoma and Arkansas have seen alerts upgraded, with the potential for a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) bringing repeated rounds of heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. This poses a significant risk to infrastructure and public safety.
Southwest Missouri is also under a flood watch, with Springfield particularly vulnerable. Multiple rounds of heavy rain are expected through Monday, along with the possibility of golf ball-sized hail and winds exceeding 70 mph. Eastern Missouri, including the St. Louis area, can expect persistent rainfall and a chance of hail. Similarly, Birmingham, Alabama is also within a thunderstorm watch.
The severe weather is not confined to the South. Denver International Airport in Colorado briefly shut down runways on Saturday due to thunderstorms, causing significant delays and stranding travelers. The NWS warns that similar weather patterns could affect other major airports in the Western United States.
The potential for travel disruptions comes as AAA predicts a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles or more this Memorial Day weekend, surpassing the previous record set in 2005. With such high travel volume, the transportation system is particularly vulnerable to weather-related issues.
Meteorologists are urging travelers to closely monitor weather forecasts, allow for extra travel time, and develop alternative routes in anticipation of potential delays and disruptions. The holiday weekend is a time for remembrance and relaxation, but vigilance and preparedness are crucial for a safe journey amidst the looming severe weather.
First Piper 