Memorial Day weekend forecast: ‘Violent’ tornadoes and ‘hurricane’ winds threaten to batter central US

Memorial Day, which also marks the unofficial start to summer, is observed annually on the last Monday of May, with most Americans receiving the day off from work.

The nation commemorates the holiday with a service at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, with the president typically laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Read more about the holiday from The Independent’s Chelsea Ritschel:

43 per cent of flights at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport are delayed as of Friday afternoon, according to FlightAware.

More than 500 flights have been delayed and 18 canceled since thunderstorms blew into the region this morning.

Memorial Day travelers going to the midwest or central US may also see their celebrations dampened as the National Weather Service forecasts dangerous thunderstorms with large hail and potential tornadoes.

Areas of several states, including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are under red flag warnings for extreme fire danger this weekend.

These conditions are exacerbated by high winds, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions in the southwestern US, according to the National Weather Service.

On Thursday, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a warning to celebrate Memorial Day responsibly — and a reminder that fireworks are banned on BLM-managed public lands.

Miami, Florida — a popular vacation destination for Memorial Day weekend — will see strong thunderstorms bringing the risk of rip currents off the southwestern coast, according to the National Weather Service

Those celebrating at the beachfront destination may also face a brutal heat index of 105F next week.

Flights at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport are on an average delay of one hour due to thunderstorms, according to FlightAware.

An estimated 50,000 people will be passing through airports today as Memorial Day weekend begins, according to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.

“Violent” tornadoes with wind gusts exceeding 90 miles per hour are likely in Oklahoma and Kansas on Saturday.

Softball-sized hail is also possible in the region.

Get ready for one of the busiest Atlantic hurricane seasons on record, thanks to unprecedented ocean heat and a brewing La Nina, experts say.

With hurricane-like winds already brewing in the Midwest this holiday weekend, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming hurricane season:

Areas of several states, including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona are under red flag warnings for extreme fire danger this weekend.

These conditions are exacerbated by high winds, low humidity and ongoing drought conditions in the southwestern US, according to the National Weather Service.

On Thursday, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a warning to celebrate Memorial Day responsibly — and a reminder that fireworks are banned on BLM-managed public lands.

Meanwhile, Corpus Christi and much of southern Texas will face excessive heat this weekend.

The heat index — that is, what the temperature feels like to people — could reach up to 118F.

“Take extra precautions when outside,” the National Weather Service advises. “Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Almost 200 flights into, out of or within the US at Chicago O’Hare International Airport have been delayed today, according to FlightAware.

Much of Illinois and Iowa are under severe thunderstorm and flood watches this afternoon.

Meanwhile, some 50,000 people will be passing through airports today as Memorial Day weekend begins, according to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.