Flash Flood Warnings for Four States as Heavy Rainfall Hits
This year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is anticipating that more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home from May 22 to 26 to celebrate the holiday. It's expected to set a new Memorial Day weekend travel record.
Severe weather is expected across the country, with thunderstorms in the Midwest likely to see several inches of rain in just a matter of hours.
The National Weather Service (NWS) maps show heavy rain expected across most of Oklahoma, the northwestern part of Arkansas, southwestern Missouri, and the southeastern-most part of Kansas, with a little heavy rain hitting an isolated part of northern Texas.
The warnings are rolling throughout the day, with some in effect until later on Sunday morning local time and others in effect until Sunday afternoon, but the NWS has warned that rains and flooding may occur through until Monday morning.
All of those areas, except for Texas, have some areas with flood and even flash flood warnings: Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the surrounding counties, as well as Branson, Missouri, and the counties just north of it, have flash flood warnings, with flood warnings also issued for Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the surrounding counties north to Bartlesville and east of Ponca City.
Missouri is expected to see between 1 and 2 inches of rain in just one hour this morning, with additional amounts of up to 4 inches in warned areas, including Eastern Douglas County, Ozark County, and Taney County until 2:30 p.m. CT.
The NWS has advised residents to turn around if they encounter a flooded area, especially in vehicles, warning that "many flood deaths occur in vehicles."
"Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding," the agency wrote.
NWS in a Friday morning forecast: "A stormy Memorial Day Weekend is on tap from the Central Plains to the Mid-South. Daily rounds of strong-to-severe storms are likely to result in areas of flash flooding, especially overnight. Here are some tips on how to prepare in advance of flash floods."
In a separate post on that day, NWS wrote: "Daily – at least low – chances of severe weather will impact various parts of the central and southern plains through the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. Remember too that strong winds, flash flooding, and hail aren't the only threats from thunderstorms. Lightning strikes can result in death or serious injury. If you hear thunder or see lightning, take shelter in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows up."
Many states will remain under a flood watch through the holiday. More storms are expected over the weekend and on Monday.
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