Wet, Windy Weekend Promises a Labor Day to Forget
Bring an umbrella to that barbecue in half the country.
— -- Taking an umbrella to the barbecue is probably a good idea this Labor Day weekend.
Severe weather threatens to put a damper on outdoor holiday plans for millions of Americans, mostly east of the Mississippi.
Widespread thunderstorms with strong winds, large hail and even some tornadoes are expected across the central United States today.
Rainfall is expected to begin this afternoon and continue into Monday, making it a Labor Day washout for the East Coast and in cities such as Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City further west.
Severe weather has already put a stop to Labor Day festivities nationwide.
In Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana heavy rain turned roads into rushing rivers, forcing residents to wade to safety. One Louisiana man had his house entirely submerged by flood waters.
And in Florida, heavy rains postponed opening night for University of Florida football fans. Drenched spectators waited three hours before lightning forced game officials to cancel the game.
Finally, out west in Washington State, 40 mph winds whipped up a disastrous dust storm that blinded drivers and caused a 50-car pileup on an interstate highway.