As Memorial Day weekend kicks into high gear, Mother Nature has a different kind of fireworks in store for parts of the Southeast. Sunday night, three states are in the crosshairs of a potent storm system that could bring heavy rain and flash flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a heavy rain warning for Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Forecasters are calling for widespread storms with intense rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour, and localized totals could reach 4 inches in some spots.
“Widespread storms with high intensity rainfall lift over Georgia and South Carolina this evening,” the NWS stated. “Additional convection over eastern Tennessee will continue. Rain rates of 2″/hr with localized maximum totals of 2-4 inches will make scattered areas of flash flooding likely.”
While sports fans may be more focused on Danica Patrick’s broadcaster role at the Indy 500 or the Charlotte Truck Series race delays, the weather could throw a wrench into outdoor plans across the region.
For those in the affected areas, the key message is: stay weather-ready. The NWS recommends keeping a NOAA Weather Radio or local news app handy to monitor severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. If a warning is issued for your area, head to a secure location immediately—especially if damaging wind or large hail is expected.
If you’re at home, take your pets with you to your safe spot if time allows. At work or school, steer clear of windows and avoid large open rooms like cafeterias or gymnasiums. If you’re caught outside, get inside a sturdy building right away—sheds and storage facilities won’t cut it, and seeking shelter under a tree is dangerous due to the risk of falling limbs or lightning strikes.
Drivers should also be cautious. While a vehicle is safer than being outdoors during a severe storm, the best move is to drive to the nearest sturdy shelter if you have enough time. Flash flooding can turn roads into rivers quickly, so never drive through standing water.
This isn’t the only weather concern this holiday weekend. Earlier, Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches were placed on high alert for rip currents, and a beach warning was issued for four states as the holiday weekend began.
For now, residents of Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee should keep an eye on the sky and an ear on the alerts. A wet Sunday night could lead to a soggy start to Memorial Day, but staying informed and prepared can make all the difference.
