Home / Weather News /

"A Nocturnal nightmare" - Memorial Day weekend severe weather outbreak claims at least 22 lives

04:50 PM
May 28, 2024

Memorial Day weekend
"Nocturnal nightmare" - Town flattened

A series of severe storms ravaged the central and southern United States over the Memorial Day weekend, claiming at least 22 lives.

Over a dozen states were affected by intense storms and tornadoes, causing substantial damage to infrastructure and leading to widespread power outages. Originating from a low-pressure system that tracked northeast across the Mississippi Valley, these deadly storms impacted much of the Central and Eastern U.S., with fatalities reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky.

Live Blog: Storms target the SouthMay 28, 2024

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency and reported five deaths. The small town of Barnsley, Ky., which had previously been hit by a tornado in 2021, endured another devastating tornado on Sunday night. This tornado traveled for 40 miles, leaving parts of Hopkins County in ruins with no utilities and significant infrastructure damage.

area of risk SundayThe map shows areas that were at risk for severe thunderstorms on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Tap on the image to see current storm activity.
See what our meteorologists warnedread also

Portions of the Plains were also affected by the storms. Seven lives were lost in Cooke County, Texas, where a tornado devastated a mobile home park, and eight people perished across Arkansas. In Mayes County, Oklahoma, two fatalities were reported, including one at an outdoor wedding.

As the storm system continued to move eastward on Monday, tornado watches were issued from North Carolina to Maryland. It is estimated that around one million homes and businesses were without power throughout the weekend.

Federico Di Catarina
More on the topic
Derecho iowa
Sunday, June 22, 2025

Stay severe weather-aware

What are derechos?
rip current
Saturday, July 12, 2025

As more head to the coast

Rip currents & safety tips
Sunday, June 22, 2025

Why & how does it work?

High pressure & extreme heat
All weather news
This might also interest you
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Daily briefing

Flash flood risk continues for Florida, Mid-Atlantic
Friday, July 11, 2025

Daily briefing

Severe storms possible for Great Lakes, Cali's heat
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Daily briefing

Severe weather moves to the Midwest, NE flash flood
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement