A series of destructive storms are disrupting Memorial Day plans across the South and central U.S., potentially affecting millions of travelers. As of Monday morning, hundreds of flights had been delayed, with a significant concentration in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which has experienced multiple thunderstorms and gusty winds. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, American Airlines’ main hub, expected to serve around 1.4 million holiday travelers, faced long lines of passengers amidst the chaos.
This Memorial Day marks the first major holiday since the new requirement for passengers to present a REAL ID or passport for domestic flights took effect. Severe weather last Sunday generated over 180 reports, including six preliminary tornadoes in New Mexico and Texas, along with hail up to six inches near Lubbock. Isolated severe weather threats are predicted to persist from Texas through the Deep South and parts of Florida into Tuesday.
Approximately 9 million people face risks from damaging winds and large hail in Texas and Louisiana, while 12 million are under flooding alerts stretching across Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. In Florida, where many holiday travelers are heading, potential pop-up storms could result in ground stops at Orlando International Airport, which expects around a million passengers.
Overall, AAA anticipates a record 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles this weekend, with the majority—about 38 million—traveling by car, benefiting from the lowest gas prices in over four years at an average of $3.18 per gallon. While storm conditions threaten some areas, other regions, including the Northeast and the western U.S., are expected to have pleasant weather, allowing for outdoor activities to proceed mostly without issue.
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