Memorial Day travel chaos as latest spate of storms and tornadoes to batter millions of Americans

“Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes are possible while heavy rain may lead to scattered instances of flash flooding with this initial burst of thunderstorms.”

The storm centre will move over the Great Lakes later on Monday pulling the risk of severe weather across southern and eastern states, he said.

He added: “Damaging wind gusts and hail are the primary potential hazards.

“Residents and visitors planning to enjoy outdoor holiday barbecues and parties should remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings.”

A ‘huge’ low-pressure system moving across the United States will prolong a bout of storm misery which has gripped the US for weeks.

In the wake of a killer tornado which struck Iowa last week, twisters churning out giant hailstones will bulldoze central states through the start of this week.

A collision of hot weather to the south and cooler air to the north will drive the assault, experts warn.

Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services and US correspondent, said: “There is a huge area of low pressure that is moving over the Great Lakes this weekend.

“This will be powered by hot air to the south clashing with cooler air to the north, and on its southern flank, there will be a growing risk of thunder, tornadoes and big hailstorms.

“This is looking like another severe storm, similar to last week.”

AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno added: “We can’t seem to get rid of this severe weather; it has been relentless over the past month.

“We are entering a very stormy period that coincides with the first unofficial weekend of summer.”