Severe Storms Disrupt Memorial Day Travel Across the Southern and Central U.S.

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff   

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Erik Ortiz and Christine Rapp

Millions of Americans returning home from Memorial Day getaways faced major disruptions due to a wave of destructive storms sweeping across the southern and central United States. Severe weather conditions snarled air and road travel, causing widespread delays and cancellations during one of the year’s busiest holiday weekends.

As of Monday afternoon, flight tracking website FlightAware.com reported hundreds of flight delays and dozens of cancellations nationwide. The Dallas-Fort Worth area battered by repeated thunderstorms and gusty winds since the weekend was hit hardest. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, American Airlines' largest hub, had braced for approximately 1.4 million travelers during the holiday period. Over the weekend, lengthy lines of passengers snaked around its terminals as storm-related interruptions mounted.

In Denver, delays spilled over into Monday following a temporary ground stop Sunday caused by severe thunderstorms. Authorities are investigating a potential lightning strike on a Southwest Airlines flight from Tampa, Florida. No injuries were reported.

This year’s Memorial Day weekend marks the first major travel holiday since the federal government began requiring REAL ID-compliant identification or passports for all domestic flights, adding another layer of complexity to airport procedures.

Sunday's storms generated more than 180 severe weather reports, including six preliminary tornado sightings in New Mexico and Texas. Near Afton, Texas east of Lubbock reports of softball-sized hail up to six inches in diameter added to the danger. The National Weather Service warned that isolated severe threats, including damaging winds and large hail, would continue through Tuesday across Texas, the Deep South, and Florida.

By Memorial Day, severe thunderstorm watches were in effect for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Forecasts indicated that 11 million people were at risk for hazardous weather, including potential tornadoes, across areas such as Abilene, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas, as well as sections of Louisiana and Alabama.

Flood threats also loomed for 12 million residents, particularly across Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, as downpours persisted into Tuesday morning.

In Florida a popular destination during the long weekend pop-up storms threatened operations at Orlando International Airport, where officials expected about one million travelers. The storms could trigger ground stops and delays during the evening hours.

Despite the weather, an estimated 45.1 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles from home this holiday, according to AAA marking a new Memorial Day travel record. Roughly 38 million travelers hit the road, aided by gas prices averaging $3.18 per gallon the lowest Memorial Day fuel cost in over four years.

As storms continue to impact the region, travelers are advised to monitor forecasts and check with airlines or transportation providers before departing. Emergency services remain on alert across multiple states as weather conditions evolve.