Severe Weather Alerts Sweep Across Southern U.S. This Memorial Day

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Severe storms are forecasted to impact the Southern Plains and Tennessee Valley this Memorial Day weekend, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS warned on Monday morning that multiple rounds of thunderstorms could bring large hail, damaging winds, and even tornados to states including Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee.

“Severe thunderstorms may produce large hail, severe wind gusts, and a few tornadoes,” the NWS report stated. “Excessive rainfall is also likely, resulting in scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding.” Flood watches, flood warnings, and severe thunderstorm warnings are currently in place across affected areas.

A tornado warning was issued earlier in the day for Shreveport, Louisiana. Heavy rain poses risks throughout multiple states, with some areas expected to receive over a foot of rainfall by the end of the holiday weekend.

AccuWeather meteorologists reported significant flooding in the Ozark Mountains, leading to road closures in Springfield, Missouri, which received 2.68 inches of rain on Friday and Saturday.

“This ranks as the second highest rainfall amount for the two-day period of May 23-24,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill.

The heaviest rain is predicted for southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, the northern half of Arkansas, and Southern Missouri, impacting travel plans for many residents.

NWS meteorologist Gary Chastelain from Shreveport advised, “Most of the heavy rain we’ll see is occurring now. During the early afternoon, we’ll get a nice break, followed by another wave of rain tonight.”

The public is reminded to exercise caution around flooded roads, as a flood watch issued by the NWS warns, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads.”

The NWS anticipates flood watches to expire by Tuesday morning, but a slight risk of excessive rainfall remains for parts of the region.