Breakfast brief: Severe threat for the southern Plains

Strong storms will fire up across the southern Plains today, with a flood threat extending into the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. Cooler-than-average temperatures take over much of the eastern half of the country. The Breakfast Brief is published Monday through Friday at 5:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Memorial Day may end up being stormy for some. The WeatherRadar shows strong storms firing up across the southern Plains today. Damaging winds and large hail are the main threats, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Cities at risk include Austin, Dallas and Plano, Texas.

Rumbles of thunder will also extend into the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. Flash flooding is a concern, so make sure to keep an eye on your Weather & Radar app for alerts. Showers will also extend throughout the central and northern Plains, so grab the rain gear.

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Much of the western half of the U.S., as well as the southernmost states will stay steamy today, while cooler-than-average temperatures spread across the central and northern Plains, Great Lakes, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic.

The TemperatureRadar shows sweltering highs in the 90s along the Gulf Coast and Southwest. Cities like New York, Minneapolis and Chicago will experience comfortable highs in the 60s.

When severe weather is in your forecast, you can be prepared. Follow along with these tools to stay weather-aware.