Chicago, Illinois – As severe storms and tornadoes wreak havoc across several states, the threat for dangerous weather continues to loom over the Midwest this Memorial Day weekend. With reports of over two dozen tornadoes hitting various states such as Illinois, Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, the toll of destruction is evident.

The aftermath of Thursday’s storms left a trail of damaging winds in Maine, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, with trees uprooted and power lines knocked down. As travelers prepare to embark on their holiday weekend plans, forecasts predict more severe weather spanning from Austin, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois on Friday.

Areas such as Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Memphis, Tennessee, St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, and Chicago are all at risk of experiencing tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail. The looming threat extends into the weekend, with Kansas and Oklahoma bracing for potential strong tornadoes, severe wind gusts, and large hail on Saturday.

On Sunday, St. Louis, Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis are set to be in the line of fire for possible tornadoes. The forecast for Memorial Day in the Northeast anticipates heavy rain and thunderstorms, with concerns of flash flooding along the Interstate 95 corridor, particularly near Philadelphia and just west of New York City.

Record-high temperatures are also expected in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida over the weekend, with Monday potentially marking the hottest Memorial Day on record for cities like San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, and Miami. The heat index, factoring in humidity, could soar above 100 degrees, posing additional dangers amidst the holiday weekend celebrations.