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Newsweek
a day ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Warned of Floods As Possible Tropical Storm Takes Shape
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Millions of people across Florida are under a flood watch on Tuesday afternoon as a storm system that could soon strengthen into Tropical Storm Dexter moves across the Sunshine State. AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek he doubts the storm will form while it is moving over land. However, it is still expected to bring torrential rainfall that could spark flash floods. Why It Matters The ongoing flood watches came amid an active hurricane season and recent severe flooding events across the United States, which have resulted in extensive property damage and loss of life. Flooding remains the second-deadliest weather hazard in the U.S., behind extreme heat, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The latest alerts aimed to reduce risk by keeping residents informed and urging immediate safety precautions. What to Know Flood watches remained in effect for millions across Florida on Tuesday afternoon as a disorganized tropical disturbance threatened to deliver several inches of rain across the central part of the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple alerts, warning of potential flooding in urban neighborhoods, low-lying areas, and near creeks and streams. A stock photo of a flooded street in Florida. A stock photo of a flooded street in Florida. Bilanol/Getty Officials cautioned residents from Florida's Gulf Coast to its Atlantic Coast to be prepared for swiftly changing conditions and potential travel disruptions as the storm system moved across the state. Forecasts suggested widespread rainfall totals between 2 and 4 inches, with isolated areas seeing as much as 7 inches by Tuesday evening. Authorities emphasized the risk posed by flooding, including rapidly rising waters in streams and dangerous road conditions in both cities and rural areas. Flood watches issued by the NWS extended across significant portions of the state, including west central areas such as Sumter, Pinellas, Polk, Hardee, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Levy counties. Alerts also covered regions near Tallahassee and parts of northeast and central Florida, including Flagler, Putnam, Volusia, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties. Major cities under watch included Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Ocala, and Daytona Beach, among others. The storm system has a 40 percent chance of strengthening into Tropical Storm Dexter within the next 48 hours. "Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of Florida through Wednesday," the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a Tuesday forecast. "Heavy rainfall could also cause flash flooding for portions of the north-central Gulf Coast beginning Wednesday and continuing through Friday. For additional information, please refer to products issued by your local National Weather Service office." What People Are Saying An NHC forecast said: "This system is currently producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity, and little development is expected through tonight while the center is over land. Once the system reaches the northeastern Gulf on Wednesday, environmental conditions appear generally favorable for additional development, and a tropical depression could form while the system moves across the northeastern and north-central Gulf and approaches the coast of Louisiana on Thursday." NWS Tampa Bay in a flood warning: "Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles." What Happens Next Most flood watches were scheduled to expire by Tuesday evening. Weather forecasters continued to monitor the potential tropical system for any additional development, which could prolong hazardous conditions into Wednesday or longer in affected areas. Residents and travelers should consult the latest NWS updates and prepare for possible flash flood warnings if local conditions worsen.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Is There Mail on Memorial Day? Post Office, FedEx, UPS Hours
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May, and this year it falls on May 26, prompting questions about if the United States Postal Service (USPS), the United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx will deliver mail and packages as usual. The Context Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday to honor fallen military personnel who died in service. Memorial Day was previously called Decoration Day and began during the Civil War. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May. What to Know Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday. Some employees won't be at work, and most banks will be closed. In some instances, businesses might also close. A stock image of white military headstones in Sarasota National Cemetery. A stock image of white military headstones in Sarasota National Cemetery. Bilanol/Getty Is Mail Delivered on Memorial Day? There will be no regular mail service on Memorial Day. Post offices also will be closed. Stamps can still be purchased at most grocery stores, pharmacies and convenient stores. Normal services resume May 27. UPS, FedEx Deliveries Most UPS services also won't be available. When reached for comment, a spokesperson referred Newsweek to UPS' 2025 holiday schedule, which is "set for all of 2025." UPS Domestic Ground, Air, and International services will not occur on May 26. Limited locations of UPS stores might be open, but UPS Forwarding will be closed. UPS Express Critical will be available. A FedEx spokesperson also referred Newsweek to the company's holiday calendar when reached for comment. FedEx and FedEx Freight services will not operate on Memorial Day. Some offices might have limited hours, but FedEx Logistics will be closed. FedEx Custom Critical will be open. What People Are Saying USPS in a press release from Memorial Day 2024: "Although there will be no regular mail service, Priority Mail Express is delivered 365 days a year and will be delivered." The press release added: "For 24/7 access to most postal products and services, go to where you can look up a ZIP Code, track a package, buy stamps, hold mail, print postage online, submit a change of address, schedule a package pickup and find USPS locations including self-service kiosks." The National Archives in a webpage about Memorial Day: "Memorial Day, initially referred to as Decoration Day, was observed by many communities after the Civil War, when the nation suffered more than 620,000 military deaths, roughly 2 percent of the total population at the time. John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of Republic, chose May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of Union troops across the nation. From this beginning, Memorial Day is now designated as an annual day of remembrance to honor all those who have died in service to the United States during peace and war. Veterans Day, November 11, celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans." What Happens Next The next U.S. federal holiday is Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., on June 19. USPS services will be closed, but UPS and FedEx services will operate as normal.
