AccuWeather warns Memorial Day storms

AccuWeather said on May 18 that thunderstorms, heavy rain and flash flooding could affect millions of people from Texas to New England over Memorial Day weekend, raising the risk of travel delays and washed-out outdoor plans. The forecast lands as AAA projects 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25. (accuweather.com) That would edge above last year’s holiday total and set a new Memorial Day weekend record, AAA said. (newsroom.aaa.com) The overlap between a broad storm corridor and one of the busiest U.S. travel weekends means road trips, flights and local events could all be affected. AccuWeather said the zone of concern stretches across a large part of the eastern half of the country, while regional outlets in South Carolina and New Jersey have already warned of wet and unsettled holiday conditions. (greenvilleonline.com) ### Where is the weather threat concentrated? AccuWeather said the main Memorial Day weekend threat runs from Texas to New England, with thunderstorms, heavy rain and flash flooding possible across that corridor. The company said millions taking part in holiday activities may face disruptive weather. (accuweather.com) New Jersey is also expected to see a cooler, cloudier and potentially rainy stretch. Hoboken Girl reported on May 19 that much of the state could see rain chances above 50% on Saturday, with temperatures in parts of North Jersey falling into the upper 50s and low 60s. ### How many people are expected to be on the move? AAA said on May 11 that 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period. (accuweather.com) The group said 39.1 million will travel by car and 3.66 million are expected to fly. Last year’s comparison point was lower. AAA said in its 2025 Memorial Day forecast that 45.1 million people were expected to travel domestically, while its 2024 forecast put the figure at 43.8 million, showing how holiday volumes have remained elevated in recent years. (accuweather.com) ### What are forecasters saying in South Carolina? Greenville Online reported on May 19 that South Carolina’s Memorial Day weekend forecast calls for rain and thunderstorms that could force changes to holiday plans. (hobokengirl.com) The outlet said the outlook could affect residents across the state as the weekend approaches. South Carolina is also dealing with drought conditions in parts of the state. (newsroom.aaa.com) Greenville Online reported separately this month that drought persisted despite recent rain, adding another layer to how forecasters and local officials are watching incoming weather. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### What does this mean for travelers and outdoor events? AAA said Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and remains a major travel weekend for Americans taking three-day trips. Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the group’s May 11 release that the holiday continues to draw strong demand even with higher gas prices. (greenvilleonline.com) AccuWeather’s warning suggests the biggest disruptions are likely to come from localized flooding, downpours and thunderstorms rather than a single coast-to-coast storm system. That means conditions could vary sharply by day and by region, with travelers likely to rely on updated local forecasts as the weekend gets closer. (greenvilleonline.com) ### Where should people check next? AAA’s holiday travel window runs from May 21 through May 25, and its latest breakdown is posted in the organization’s May 11 Memorial Day travel release. AccuWeather’s May 18 holiday outlook remains the main national forecast cited so far, while Greenville Online and Hoboken Girl have published state-level updates for South Carolina and New Jersey. (accuweather.com) (newsroom.aaa.com)