Storms Threaten Memorial Day Travel, Flooding Texas to NE
Memorial Day weekend travelers are facing significant disruptions as a sprawling storm system threatens to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, and travel delays across a vast swath of the United States, from Texas to the Northeast. With millions of Americans preparing for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, the weather is already taking a toll.
As of Thursday morning, more than 1,000 flights had been delayed and nearly 290 cancellations were recorded within, into, or out of the U.S., according to data from FlightAware cited by NBC News. In New York, LaGuardia Airport advised travelers to budget extra time after one of its runways was closed Wednesday due to a sinkhole, though the runway was expected to reopen Thursday morning.
Widespread Flood Risk
The National Weather Service has issued flood watches stretching from southern Texas through the Mississippi Valley. A Level 2 out of 4 risk of flash flooding — meaning at least a 15% chance of flash flooding within 25 miles — covers major cities including Dallas, Tulsa, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, according to NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center.
More than 33 million Americans are in the bull’s-eye of the flash flood threat across North and East Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, Fox Weather reported. Rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour are possible in the hardest-hit areas, with total accumulations of 4 to 6 inches forecast for the Houston area between Tuesday and Memorial Day, according to the National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Office. Some pockets of East Texas and Louisiana could see up to 5 to 8 inches.
“This rainfall will generate runoff and cause rises on area rivers and watersheds,” the National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Office warned, adding that moderate to isolated major stage flooding cannot be ruled out depending on where the heaviest rain accumulates.
Atlanta Flash Flooding and Infrastructure Concerns
The storms have already demonstrated their destructive potential. On Wednesday, a localized downpour triggered heavy flash flooding in downtown Atlanta during the afternoon rush hour, overwhelming drainage systems on the Interstate 75/85 interchange and prompting water rescues as cars became stranded in several feet of water.
In Houston, CenterPoint Energy activated its emergency operations center and was monitoring potential impacts. Approximately 2,000 customers were without power in the greater Houston area as of Tuesday noon.
A Stalled Pattern Brings Prolonged Threat
Meteorologists say the stagnant weather pattern — driven by a plume of tropical moisture from the Gulf of Mexico interacting with a stalled front — will produce multiple rounds of storms through the holiday weekend.
“Some areas will receive multiple rounds of heavy downpours that could trigger flash flooding,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Brett Anderson said in an online forecast cited by USA Today.
NWS meteorologist Janice Maldonado told Houston Public Media that there is also a risk of severe storms producing damaging wind gusts and small hail. “Keep in mind that rain will continue throughout the week,” she said. “We will have multiple chances of precipitation, rain and thunderstorms every day. It will continue on Friday and also into Memorial Day weekend.”
Regional Weather Divide
While the southern Plains, Gulf Coast, and Northeast face significant weather challenges, the Southwest is expected to enjoy the best holiday weather, with sunshine and warm temperatures forecast from May 23 through Memorial Day, according to AccuWeather.
In the Northeast, a “cold air damming” event east of the Appalachians will bring overcast skies, light rain, and cooler temperatures, with highs in the 60s through the holiday weekend — conditions more reminiscent of early spring than late May.
What to Watch For
The highest flood threat is expected Saturday, with storms concentrated across the southern half of Texas. By Sunday, the heaviest rainfall is forecast to shift eastward, and the flood threat is expected to diminish across South and Central Texas by Memorial Day itself. However, additional rounds of thunderstorms are possible through midweek.
Memorial Day 2026 falls on its earliest possible date — May 25 — marking the unofficial start of summer. Travelers are urged to monitor local weather forecasts, check flight statuses before heading to the airport, and avoid driving through flooded roadways.
“Residents and travelers from central and northeastern Texas to West Virginia should keep rain gear nearby,” said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, “as repeated showers and thunderstorms may cause lightning delays for outdoor events.”