Memorial Day weekend travel and celebrations may be disrupted by severe thunderstorms across the US.
Severe thunderstorms will hit much of Iowa and Illinois, including Chicago, throughout Friday. These storms could impact travel for those flying in or out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the fourth busiest airport in the US.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns these storms could potentially bring wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour, hail and tornadoes.
Oklahoma and Texas will face similar conditions this weekend, with storms expected to bring egg-sized hail and wind gusts of 70 miles per hour. The Midwest will also see “very large hail, hurricane-force gusts, and strong tornadoes” this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts this weekend will bring the busiest Memorial Day travel in 19 years, with some 43.8m people traveling at least 50 miles.
Yesterday’s storms in the northeastern US prompted travel chaos in New York’s airports.
New York City’s LaGuardia Airport and John F Kennedy International Airport had almost 700 delays and 90 cancellations throughout Thursday.
Travelers could see similar conditions today as severe storms pelt major midwest roads and impact airports throughout the region.
Nearly 200 flights delayed in Chicago
Almost 200 flights into, out of or within the US at Chicago O’Hare International Airport have been delayed today, according to FlightAware.
Much of Illinois and Iowa are under severe thunderstorm and flood watches this afternoon.
Meanwhile, some 50,000 people will be passing through airports today as Memorial Day weekend begins, according to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 18:30
WATCH: US storm system to bring tornadoes, hail to Oklahoma as Memorial Day weekend kicks off
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 18:00
Chicago airport delays on the rise today
Chicago O’Hare International Airport has seen nearly 100 delays so far on Friday, according to FlightAware.
This uptick comes as severe thunderstorms hit much of Iowa and Illinois, bringing wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour, hail and tornadoes
O’Hare is the fourth busiest airport in the US, meaning today’s storms could continue to impact Memorial Day travel throughout the country.
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 17:20
Egg-sized hail threatens Oklahoma, Texas
The storms expected to hit Oklahoma and Texas today will bring two-inch hail — the size of a hen’s egg — to the region, the National Weather Service said.
Egg-sized hail can easily damage cars and homes.
The region will also see wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.
Meanwhile, hurricane-force winds and tornadoes could hit the central US this afternoon.
These weather hazards come on the second day of Memorial Day Weekend travel and could create delays at airports across the country.
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 17:01
Extreme fire danger expected in several states this weekend
Areas of several states, including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are under red flag warnings for extreme fire danger this weekend.
These conditions are exacerbated by high winds, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions in the southwestern US, according to the National Weather Service.
On Thursday, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a warning to celebrate Memorial Day responsibly — and a reminder that fireworks are banned on BLM-managed public lands.
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 16:40
Where did Memorial Day start and why do Americans celebrate it?
Memorial Day, which also marks the unofficial start to summer, is observed annually on the last Monday of May, with most Americans receiving the day off from work.
The nation commemorates the holiday with a service at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, with the president typically laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Read more about the holiday from The Independent’s Chelsea Ritschel:
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 16:20
ICYMI: Ocean heat and La Nina combo likely mean more Atlantic hurricanes this summer
Get ready for one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons on record, thanks to unprecedented ocean heat and a brewing La Nina, experts say.
With hurricane-like winds already brewing in the Midwest this holiday weekend, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming hurricane season:
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 16:00
Chicago to see storms, ‘damaging hail’ until this evening
Thunderstorms bringing damaging hail and possible tornadoes will hit the Chicago region until this evening, the National Weather Service forecasts.
These storms could impact the fourth-busiest airport in the nation, Chicago O’Hare International.
However, the travel hub is going strong so far this morning with just one cancelation and 46 delays, according to FlightAware.
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 15:40
Southern Texas to face dangerous heat this Memorial Day Weekend
Corpus Christi and much of southern Texas will face excessive heat this weekend.
The heat index — that is, what the temperature feels like to people — could reach up to 118F.
“Take extra precautions when outside,” the National Weather Service advises. “Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
Katie Hawkinson24 May 2024 15:20