Latest news with #ChadMerrill
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Over 100 million at risk for daily severe storms, drenching rain into next week
A recent spate of severe weather to begin the month of June will persist for several more days. The storms are expected to impact an area encompassing over 100 million people east of the Rockies and interrupt outdoor plans for the weekend and beyond, warn AccuWeather meteorologists. The storminess, fueled mostly by hot summertime air, has led to hundreds of reports of wind damage, large hail and even a few tornadoes since the beginning of the month, spanning dozens of states. Many of the same areas reeling from recent severe weather will have to stay alert for additional storminess through at least Monday. "A series of low pressure areas moving into and then out of the Midwest through early next week will be the impetus for the successive severe weather risks from the Plains to the Southeast," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill. The most recent storm led to reports of giant hail, hurricane-force winds and a few tornadoes across the southern Plains into Friday morning. Through the end of the week, this dangerous weather will build east across the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys. Early weekend plans Saturday could be threatened across a large area spanning hundreds of miles from the U.S.-Mexico border to the mid-Atlantic coast. In addition to storms packing hailstones, destructive winds and always-dangerous lightning, heavy rain is a big concern, especially since storms will be repeating in many areas. "Besides the severe weather threat, repeated downpours will move over already-saturated soil," added Merrill. "Motorists will have to watch out for ponding of water on roads, and smaller creeks and streams will be susceptible to overflowing their banks." "Of particular concern for flooding is eastern Oklahoma into southern Kansas, including Wichita, which is already running a surplus of 2 to 5 inches of rain for early June," pointed out Merrill. At least three separate areas of severe weather are forecast to develop by Sunday across the Midwest, southern Plains and Southeast. Major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and St. Louis are at risk for these violent storms, which can also impact air travel nationwide because of the number of busy airport hubs in these storm-affected regions. The Red River Valley of Texas and Oklahoma appear to be at particular risk for dangerous storms to end the weekend, with AccuWeather meteorologists discussing the possibility of issuing a rare "high risk" for severe storms at some point in the near future. The severe threat will not end with the weekend, as the southern Plains and South are at "some' risk" for gusty storms by Monday, which will be, in some locales, the fourth consecutive day with a risk for severe weather. While wind, hail and heavy rain represent the primary threats from the storms, there have been a few tornado touchdowns over the last few days, and AccuWeather meteorologists are concerned for a few more during this episode of severe weather. "A couple of tornadoes can occur in the High Plains into Friday evening," warned Merrill. "On Saturday, the threat for tornadoes will shift south and east into the moderate risk area in the mid-South, between Interstates 20 and 40." Because of the vast amount of moisture in the atmosphere, any tornado that spawns could be enveloped in heavy rain and difficult to see. These are called rain-wrapped tornadoes, and they are especially dangerous after dark. With outdoor graduations and summer vacation plans getting underway, having a way to receive warnings both at and away from home or work will be important over the next few days. The AccuWeather App offers push notifications of severe weather alerts so you can take quick action in the event of storms. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northeast to cycle between deluges, dry air following summerlike warmth
The warmest air since last September will be replaced by a familiar refrain in the Northeast: rounds of showers and thunderstorms, some of which can pack a punch into next week. In between rainy episodes, however, there will be a period of nicer weather over the weekend for many, say AccuWeather meteorologists. The topsy-turvy weather pattern in the Northeast, which is typical in the late spring timeframe, was first marked by rounds of chilly rain during the second half of May, then a period of dry weather with a dramatic warm up in early June. The weather over the next several days will fall somewhere in between. The warm spell will end with a bang The season's first significant warmup enveloped the East during the first week of June, as the mercury soared well into the 80s to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. But the pool weather will switch back to sweatshirt weather before long. "It will get cool enough to keep some folks from venturing to the local pool or lake," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill of the cooler weather expected to arrive this the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+ In advance of that cooldown, thunderstorms will rumble along and ahead of a cold front through Friday evening. Some of those storms could turn severe, packing strong, gusty winds and even some small hailstones. With school ending and community or backyard pools open for the season, swimmers may have to briefly safe shelter as storms roll through. By Friday night and Saturday morning, drier and cooler air will arrive in the eastern Great Lakes and parts of the interior Northeast. In New England and along the mid-Atlantic coast, it will take until late Saturday for storms to exit offshore. Temperatures that were up to 10 degrees above historical averages will dip to about 5 degrees below average, a daytime swing of 15 degrees. At night, low temperatures could drop into the 50s for a few mornings into next week thanks to lowering humidity. In most areas, the growing season is well underway and will not be interrupted by this cool snap. "Unlike the recent cool spell at the end of May, this one will not produce a frost in the Great Lakes, northern Mid-Atlantic or Northeast," added Merrill. Wet and stormy weather slated to return quickly next week The rain-free weather accompanying the cool, less humid weather will not have the staying pattern of the dry spell that started June. AccuWeather meteorologists say that showers and thunderstorms can return to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast as early as the end of the weekend. On Sunday, a new storm packed with moisture is forecast to approach from the nation's midsection, first arriving in the Appalachians and mid-Atlantic, then spreading into the rest of the Northeast to start the workweek on Monday. Unlike during the storminess in late May, the wind direction for much of the rainy period early next week will be out of the south and west, rather than the north or east, so the air will not be as chilly. Still, the wet weather can ruin some outdoor plans for a few days and may also act to pull in some wildfire smoke from Canada in between rainy spells. After the consistent rains of May, the rain is no longer needed in most areas. Since the beginning of April, the area covered by drought conditions in the Northeast went from nearly 25 percent to less than 1 percent, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. For those pining to get back in the pool or ocean, they may not have to wait long. "There are signs that point to the same high pressure producing record heat in the Northwest will arrive in the East by the end of next week," said Merrill. "This would allow the temperature pattern to flip-flop with much above average temperatures returning to the region." Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts™ are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Miami Herald
Memorial Day Travel Map: Severe Storms Hit 7 States
Severe storms with large hail, damaging wind gusts, flooding downpours and a few tornados will complicate Memorial Day travel in parts of the Southern Plains, Mid-South and Tennessee Valley, a National Weather Service (NWS) forecast said. This year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) anticipated that more than 45 million people would travel at least 50 miles from home through Monday to celebrate Memorial Day. It was expected to set a Memorial Day weekend travel record. Severe weather could disrupt plans for travelers on Monday as meteorologists are forecasting thunderstorms across Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee. As of Monday morning, numerous storm-related weather alerts were in place, including flood watches, flood warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings. "Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are forecast to impact portions of the Southern Plains, Mid-South, and Tennessee Valley through Memorial Day," an NWS forecast said on Monday morning. "Severe thunderstorms may produce large hail, severe wind gusts, and a few tornadoes. Excessive rainfall is also likely and may result in scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding." A tornado warning was issued earlier Monday morning in Shreveport, Louisiana. Heavy downpours were posing dangers across multiple states, with AccuWeather meteorologists saying that some areas could receive more than a foot of rain once the holiday weekend comes to a close. Some of the worst flooding is occurring in the Ozark Mountains, and earlier this weekend, some roads were forced to close in Springfield, Missouri. "Springfield received 2.68 inches of rain on Friday and Saturday. This ranks as the second highest rainfall amount for the two-day period of May 23-24," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said in the report. An AccuWeather rainfall map showed the hardest-hit areas through Monday night will likely be southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, the northern half of Arkansas and Southern Missouri, as well as far Western Tennessee. Downpours will continue across the heavily affected areas through Monday, worsening the flooding, Merrill said. Travel and outdoor plans in the worst-affected areas also are likely to be impacted. NWS guidance urges people not to drive on flooded roads, which could complicate travel plans. NWS meteorologist Gary Chastelain, who works at the Shreveport, Louisiana, office, told Newsweek: "Most of the heavy rain we'll see is occurring now. During the early afternoon we'll get a nice break, and then another wave of activity will AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill, in a report: "Although northwestern Arkansas and northern Texas has not experienced the heaviest rain thus far, we expect pockets of heavy rain to expand across these areas through Monday." A flood watch issued by the Shreveport, Louisiana, NWS office: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads." Most flood watches will expire by Monday evening or Tuesday morning. The NWS said a slight risk of excessive rainfall is in place for parts of the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Southeast and Ohio Valley on Tuesday. Related Articles Flash Flood Warnings for Four States as Heavy Rainfall HitsMap Shows First Tropical Storm Could Form in the Next 7 DaysCentral Park Breaks 131-Year Temperature RecordPeople Advised to Avoid the Water at Beaches in 12 States 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
More Than 50,000 Without Power in Texas Amid Severe Memorial Day Storms
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nearly 60,000 people are without power in northeastern Texas on Memorial Day as severe storms bring damaging wind gusts, heavy downpours and hail to the region. Newsweek reached out to Oncor, Texas' largest energy provider, by email for comment. Why It Matters Severe thunderstorms are hitting the Southern Plains on Monday, with National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists warning of damaging winds and floods across at least six states. The severe weather is expected to impact Memorial Day celebrations, and it also has disrupted power service to thousands. A vehicle drives through heavy rain on a highway during Hurricane Beryl on July 8, 2024, in Houston, Texas. A vehicle drives through heavy rain on a highway during Hurricane Beryl on July 8, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty What To Know As of Monday at 11:15 a.m. ET, more than 56,000 people were without power in Texas, including more than 34,000 Oncor customers, according to a map. Most outages were concentrated in eastern Texas, including Houston, Jasper, San Augustine, Rusk and Henderson counties. NWS meteorologists have issued flood watches and flash flood warnings across the area. Earlier Monday morning, severe thunderstorm warnings also were in place. "Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are forecast to impact portions of the Southern Plains, Mid-South, and Tennessee Valley through Memorial Day," an NWS forecast on Monday morning said. "Severe thunderstorms may produce large hail, severe wind gusts, and a few tornadoes. Excessive rainfall is also likely and may result in scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding." Two rounds of thunderstorms were expected to hit the Houston forecast area on Monday, NWS Houston posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday morning. The first round hit in the Piney Woods region. The second round of storms is expected later Monday night. This morning, Oncor posted on X, saying its crews worked through the night to restore power after severe storms hit the region earlier this weekend. What People Are Saying Oncor in a Memorial Day weather alert on its website: "Oncor is continuing to monitor and respond to the severe storm system moving through our service area. As soon as weather conditions allowed, Oncor teams began working to assess damages, repair equipment and restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Flooding may cause delays and access challenges for field resources. We appreciate our customers' patience as these efforts continue around the clock." AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill in a report: "Repetitive rounds of rain will continue across the southern Plains and Ozarks through Memorial Day, resulting in additional or worsening flooding. Although northwestern Arkansas and northern Texas has not experienced the heaviest rain thus far, we expect pockets of heavy rain to expand across these areas through Monday." What Happens Next A second round of storms will hit Texas on Monday night. Most flood watches will expire by Tuesday morning as the heavy downpours move out of the region.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Memorial Day Travel Map: Severe Storms Hit 7 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Severe storms with large hail, damaging wind gusts, flooding downpours and a few tornados will complicate Memorial Day travel in parts of the Southern Plains, Mid-South and Tennessee Valley, a National Weather Service (NWS) forecast said. Why It Matters This year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) anticipated that more than 45 million people would travel at least 50 miles from home through Monday to celebrate Memorial Day. It was expected to set a Memorial Day weekend travel record. Severe weather could disrupt plans for travelers on Monday as meteorologists are forecasting thunderstorms across Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee. What To Know As of Monday morning, numerous storm-related weather alerts were in place, including flood watches, flood warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings. "Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are forecast to impact portions of the Southern Plains, Mid-South, and Tennessee Valley through Memorial Day," an NWS forecast said on Monday morning. "Severe thunderstorms may produce large hail, severe wind gusts, and a few tornadoes. Excessive rainfall is also likely and may result in scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding." Floodwater runs across a roadway on April 6, 2025, near Salcedo, Missouri. Floodwater runs across a roadway on April 6, 2025, near Salcedo, Missouri. Scott Olson/Getty A tornado warning was issued earlier Monday morning in Shreveport, Louisiana. Heavy downpours were posing dangers across multiple states, with AccuWeather meteorologists saying that some areas could receive more than a foot of rain once the holiday weekend comes to a close. Some of the worst flooding is occurring in the Ozark Mountains, and earlier this weekend, some roads were forced to close in Springfield, Missouri. "Springfield received 2.68 inches of rain on Friday and Saturday. This ranks as the second highest rainfall amount for the two-day period of May 23-24," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill said in the report. An AccuWeather rainfall map showed the hardest-hit areas through Monday night will likely be southeastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, the northern half of Arkansas and Southern Missouri, as well as far Western Tennessee. Downpours will continue across the heavily affected areas through Monday, worsening the flooding, Merrill said. Travel and outdoor plans in the worst-affected areas also are likely to be impacted. NWS guidance urges people not to drive on flooded roads, which could complicate travel plans. What People Are Saying NWS meteorologist Gary Chastelain, who works at the Shreveport, Louisiana, office, told Newsweek: "Most of the heavy rain we'll see is occurring now. During the early afternoon we'll get a nice break, and then another wave of activity will AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Chad Merrill, in a report: "Although northwestern Arkansas and northern Texas has not experienced the heaviest rain thus far, we expect pockets of heavy rain to expand across these areas through Monday." A flood watch issued by the Shreveport, Louisiana, NWS office: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads." What Happens Next Most flood watches will expire by Monday evening or Tuesday morning. The NWS said a slight risk of excessive rainfall is in place for parts of the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Southeast and Ohio Valley on Tuesday.
