Severe storms are expected to impact U.S. travel across the South and Midwest this weekend, disrupting plans in several major cities and regions during the final days of March.
Travelers heading into or through affected areas should prepare for possible delays, cancellations, and hazardous conditions from Saturday night through Monday.
The National Weather Service and NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) have issued alerts for a broad region stretching from the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys to the Southeast and mid-Atlantic. Forecasts indicate a mix of damaging winds, large hail, and the potential for tornadoes as the main threats associated with this dynamic storm system.
Saturday evening may mark the beginning of isolated severe storms in parts of the Midwest, but the main event is expected to unfold on Sunday and Monday, bringing widespread risk to dozens of cities. For the third weekend in a row, parts of the eastern U.S. face the threat of significant springtime storms—a pattern that began with a deadly tornado outbreak earlier this month.
On Sunday and Sunday night, the area of greatest concern includes portions of the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys. Cities in the potential impact zone include St. Louis, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; Louisville, Kentucky; and Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee. These locations may experience strong thunderstorms capable of producing very large hail, destructive winds, and isolated tornadoes.
By Monday, the severe weather threat will likely shift eastward, putting parts of the Southeast and mid-Atlantic at risk. Forecast models show storms advancing across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and northern Florida. Urban centers such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, Jacksonville, and Richmond could be affected.
Although the exact timing and severity of the storms remain uncertain, travelers should expect interruptions to road and air travel. Disruptions may include flight delays and cancellations, especially in regional hubs such as Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Charlotte Douglas International, and Nashville International Airport.
Highways such as I-40, I-55, I-65, and I-75 may also see dangerous driving conditions due to hail, localized flooding, and low visibility from heavy rainfall. Those planning road trips or long drives through the region should monitor local weather reports and consider alternate routes or adjusted timing.
The meteorological setup fueling this storm system is a classic springtime pattern. A strong jet stream diving out of the West will interact with warm, moist air over the central and eastern U.S., creating ideal conditions for supercells and potentially long-track tornadoes. High wind shear, combined with surface instability, raises the risk for organized storm development.
For international travelers or anyone planning to connect through major U.S. airports in the affected areas, it’s advised to check flight status regularly, remain flexible with schedules, and consider travel insurance if booking within the storm window.
Authorities recommend preparing emergency kits with essential items such as flashlights, bottled water, power banks, and basic first-aid supplies, especially for those staying in storm-prone areas over the weekend. Visitors unfamiliar with local weather systems should download a trusted weather app for alerts and instructions in case of sudden warnings or evacuation notices.
Though weather patterns can still shift over the coming days, the consistent trend of weekend storms in March suggests that caution is warranted. Whether you’re a local resident or an international traveler on holiday, being informed and prepared can help reduce risk and ensure safety as the storm system moves through.
For updates, travelers should refer to the official website of the National Weather Service and regional airport advisories, and follow local media for any changes in the forecast.
If your upcoming plans include travel to or through the central or southeastern U.S., keep an eye on the sky—and a close watch on your itinerary.
