No matter where you are traveling in the U.S. this week, make sure to prepare for extreme weather.
Storms are raging across the U.S. this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that severe thunderstorms with hail, strong wind, and tornadoes will hit the central High Plains. The states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Kansas are likely to experience torrential downpours and flash floods with effects continuing for days. Amidst such severe weather conditions, the states are cautioning people not to drive on flooded roads.
Millions of people are at risk as storms threaten daily life from Nebraska to the Florida Panhandle. “The storms will likely develop by mid to late afternoon across southeast Wyoming and north Colorado, and then spread southeastward across the central High Plains through the evening,” the NWS posted on X.
Widely scattered severe thunderstorms should occur today across parts of the central High Plains with a threat for large to very large hail (some 3-4 inches in diameter), severe wind gusts, and a couple of tornadoes.
The storms will likely develop by mid to late afternoon across… pic.twitter.com/1Y2raLHk9K
— National Weather Service (@NWS) June 24, 2026
NWS warned in a statement, “Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
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This comes after a tornado made landfall in Virginia earlier this week, causing localized flooding. Three tornadoes also hit Oklahoma this week, with flooding, power outages, and damage to roads and homes. On Monday, a football game in Philadelphia was paused due to rain. Severe weather also resulted in 198 flight cancellations on Tuesday at airports in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington due to poor visibility.
In Kansas, gusts of wind of over 60 miles per hour and hail are expected, so travelers are being warned to stay indoors. The Great Basin is expected to have scattered dry thunderstorms with little rain but substantial lightning. “Use caution with any potential ignition sources. Move to shelter if Lightning is occurring. Stay aware and follow instructions from emergency officials,” the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises.
Meanwhile, the NWS has also warned of heat waves in the Midwest, the Deep South, and the Southwest. “As blistering as the daytime highs will be in many areas, record-warm morning lows will heighten the danger for those unable to seek cool shelter,” it posted on X. Three hikers recently lost their lives in the Grand Canyon National Park due to heat-related incidents, so travelers should take caution when the mercury rises.
No matter where you are traveling in the U.S. this week, make sure to prepare for the weather and sign up for updates.
What to Do In Case of Flooding
First off, prepare for plan B. If you are in the area where a warning is issued, be ready to take action. Keep a lookout for local weather warnings and alerts. If you have been ordered to leave, don’t delay it. Also, importantly, don’t visit flood-hit areas because you may impede rescue services or get into trouble yourself.
Pay attention to any road closures and safety signs, and also avoid standing water, which may contain sharp objects, chemicals, or sewage. If you’re driving and meet a flooded road, turn around. Don’t try to drive a vehicle, and definitely don’t walk/swim into it. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks,” the National Weather Service (NWS) warns.
Related: Should You Cancel Your Vacation to an Area Impacted by a Natural Disaster?
What to Do During a Heatwave
Stay in the shade and avoid outdoor activities. If you are planning hikes or outdoor sports, make sure to take multiple breaks, keep hydrated, and avoid the hottest times of the day. Heat stress can cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle cramps—know the symptoms and call emergency services if you start to feel sick. The most vulnerable are people with chronic diseases, kids, the elderly, and pregnant women.
Europe is also experiencing extreme heat, so plan your vacations to factor in the weather. Locate cooling centers, spend the afternoons indoors, wear loose clothing, and drink plenty of fluids.
Related: Europe’s Extreme Heat Is Now Shutting Down Train Routes