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Millions along the East Coast are attempting to enjoy a day of sunshine this Memorial Day (May 25) after thunderstorms washed out the holiday weekend. The storm system, which has already impacted over 30 states, is now moving south, putting areas like Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee on alert for potential flooding.
According to FOX Weather, the first of two cross-country storms has moved out of the Four Corners region, bringing heavy rain and severe weather threats to the central U.S. and Deep South. The National Weather Service has issued a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms, affecting over 7 million people across the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee valleys, including Memphis, Tennessee, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
USA TODAY reports that the heaviest rainfall and potential flash flooding are expected from southeastern Louisiana into Tennessee and the Carolinas. Despite the need for rain after months of drought, the South faces challenges as fast-falling rain could lead to flash floods.
The second storm is expected to develop in the Four Corners and move out of the southern Rockies, bringing more rain to the Midwest and the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys. NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 4 threat of flash flooding for Middle Tennessee, Mississippi, and northern Alabama through Saturday (May 30).
Meanwhile, the western United States remains mostly dry and hot, with temperatures in desert valleys reaching the 100s. The Pacific Northwest could see some precipitation, with snow possible at higher elevations.