Sudden and intense rains that are predicted for Sunday and Monday morning will cause flash floods in four states, which could affect plans for Memorial Day.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), over 45 million individuals are expected to commemorate the holiday by traveling at least 50 miles from their homes between May 22 and May 26. A new travel record is anticipated for the Memorial Day weekend.
The entire nation is predicted to experience severe weather, with thunderstorms in the Midwest perhaps receiving several inches of rain in a few short hours.
Heavy rain is predicted for the majority of Oklahoma, the northwest region of Arkansas, southern Missouri, and the southeast portion of Kansas, according to the National Weather Service’s (NWS) maps.
A small area of northern Texas is also likely to get some heavy rain.
The NWS has cautioned that rain and flooding might continue until Monday morning, while the warnings are being issued throughout the day, with some lasting until Sunday afternoon and others until later Sunday morning local time.
With the exception of Texas, all of those regions have some areas under flood and even flash flood warnings: flood warnings are in effect for Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the surrounding counties east of Ponca City and north to Bartlesville, while flash flood warnings are in effect for Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the surrounding counties, as well as Branson, Missouri, and the counties immediately north of it.
In only one hour, Missouri is predicted to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain, with up to 4 inches more falling in regions under warning, such as Eastern Douglas County, Ozark County, and Taney County, until 2:30 p.m. CT.
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Residents should turn around if they come into a flooded region, especially if they are driving, the NWS has warned, noting that “many flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
Throughout the holiday, a number of states will continue to be under flood watch. Over the weekend and Monday, further storms are predicted.
