Full Breakdown
Memorial Day Weekend Weather Alerts Sweep Across the United States
5/25/2026, 12:48:28 PM
Core Weather Alerts and Timeline
From May 24-26, 2026 the National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple alerts. At 8:24 p.m. on May 24 the Greenville-Spartanburg office extended a tornado warning for Anderson County, SC (until 9 p.m.). The Fort Worth office simultaneously released a flood advisory for Tarrant County, TX, a flash-flood warning for Hamilton County, TX, and a severe thunderstorm warning for Erath and Hamilton counties. Wind advisories for the Western Mojave Desert, Riverside County, CA, Central California and other Southwest sites were posted, all expiring by Thursday. A Flood Watch for Houston stayed in effect through Monday night, and FEMA posted disaster-kit guidance at 8:26 p.m.
Data, Impacts and Why It Matters
The tornado warning noted a storm 4 mi northeast of Elberton moving at 15 mph. Flash-flood warnings recorded 2–3 inches of rain in Hamilton County and 1–3 inches in Houston over the previous 72 hours, with 6–8 inches along the coast. Wind gusts spanned 40 mph in San Luis Obispo County to 60 mph in the San Gorgonio Pass. Over 8,000 Houston customers lost power. Mobile homes, vehicles and high-profile trucks face heightened risk from tornado debris, flood currents and gusty winds, and the Flood Watch overlaps Memorial Day travel.
Official Guidance
NWS advisories urged people to seek immediate shelter in basements or interior rooms on the lowest floor of sturdy buildings and to avoid windows. Flood messages warned drivers to turn around and not attempt to cross flooded roads, noting that most flood deaths occur in vehicles. FEMA recommends a basic disaster kit with water, food, a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting, duct tape and a manual can opener.
On-the-Ground Report
Social-media user Josh Johns warned drivers not to cross flooded roads.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Wind-speed forecasts differ: San Gorgonio Pass up to 60 mph, Riverside County 45–55 mph. Rainfall estimates vary 1–3 inches for Houston versus 6–8 inches on the coast. No comprehensive impact assessment is available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.” — National Weather Service, Greenville-Spartanburg SC
- “Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.” — National Weather Service, Fort Worth TX
- “DO NOT CROSS FLOODED ROADS,” — Josh Johns, social media
- “It typically involves sewage that enters indoor areas through flooding or a sewage backup.” — Rene Sigman, storm-damage attorney
What’s Next
Forecasters expect storm activity to gradually weaken after sunset on Sunday night, though isolated showers may linger. A stronger disturbance is forecast to arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing rain to the Gulf Coast and Southwest. California wind advisories end Thursday morning, though gusty conditions may linger.
