US weather: Severe storms, flash floods disrupt midterm poll voting, Florida relocates 18 polling stations

Severe storms, flash floods and tornadoes disrupted voting in several parts of the United States on Tuesday, November 3, as millions of Americans headed to polling stations for the 2026 midterm elections. The adverse weather forced election officials to relocate polling sites in multiple states, with Florida moving 18 polling locations across seven counties because of flooding and dangerous road conditions.

According to Weather.com, certain areas of Florida received more than a foot of rain. The heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding, making roads impassable and prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency. Although rainfall intensity began to ease, forecasters warned that additional precipitation could worsen flooding in already affected areas.

Severe weather affects voting across multiple states

The storm system brought thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to several parts of the country, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City and Houston. As the system moved eastward, the risk of flash flooding increased across Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi.


In Oklahoma, a tornado damaged the Keyes Community Center, forcing election officials to relocate a polling location. The tornado produced estimated peak winds of around 100 mph, bringing down trees and causing significant structural damage.

Meanwhile, flood concerns persisted in parts of Texas, including areas around Athens, Cayuga and Fairfield. Conditions improved across much of the Dallas-Fort Worth region after early morning thunderstorms moved through, although some communities continued to experience rainfall.

Texas weather improves as cold front moves through

As per Fox4news.com, a cold front moved through North Texas early Tuesday, bringing an end to the immediate threat of severe weather. Temperatures had reached the upper 60s and low 70s ahead of the front but were expected to fall during the day.

Afternoon temperatures were forecast to remain below Monday's high of 85 degrees. Northwest winds were expected to reach around 25 mph, with stronger gusts possible.

Most polling locations were scheduled to open at 7 a.m. under dry conditions. However, voters in and around Palestine could experience lingering rainfall until late Tuesday morning. Rain also continued east of Canton, potentially complicating travel to polling stations.

Colorado also faces weather-related voting challenges

As per NBC, Colorado also experienced disruptions following heavy rainfall and flooding. Statewide emergency declarations raised concerns about access to polling locations, particularly in La Plata and Archuleta counties, where officials faced additional logistical challenges.

Across the country, election officials continued adjusting polling arrangements to accommodate weather-related disruptions. While the West Coast experienced relatively favourable conditions, parts of the central and eastern United States remained under the threat of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

The overall impact of the storms on voter turnout remained uncertain as polling continued. However, the disruptions highlighted how extreme weather can complicate election logistics, restrict access to polling stations and potentially influence participation in a closely watched national vote.