A powerful and devastating storm system has swept across the eastern United States, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. At least nine people have been killed in Kentucky, and one in Georgia, due to flooding, fallen trees, and hazardous road conditions. The storm has brought a chaotic mix of weather, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, heavy snow, and life-threatening flooding.
Kentucky has been particularly hard hit, with historic levels of flooding reported in some areas. Governor Andy Beshear described the storm as “one of the most serious weather events we’ve dealt with in at least a decade.” Emergency responders have conducted over 1,000 rescues in under 24 hours, and the death toll is expected to rise.
READ: Trump Approves Emergency Declaration In Kentucky With At Least 8 Dead
“We need Kentuckians to remain alert,” Beshear said. “There are more than 300 road closures, with (state transportation) leaders saying the statewide impact is historic. From mudslides in the east to snow in the west, the situation is dangerous.”
Flash flood emergencies have been declared in parts of Virginia and West Virginia, where swift water rescues and landslides have been reported. Tornado warnings were issued across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee on Saturday, and the storm brought “tremendous thunderstorm activity” to Georgia on Sunday morning.
Widespread power outages are affecting hundreds of thousands of customers across the impacted states.
The severity of the flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee prompted the National Weather Service to issue a rare “High Risk” excessive rainfall outlook for the region, highlighting the potential for life-threatening and catastrophic flooding.
READ: Severe Storms And Incoming System May Cause Flight Delays Across Florida, US
The storm’s impact has been devastating, with multiple fatalities reported due to flooding and falling trees. A nursing home in Tennessee was forced to evacuate residents due to rising waters, and communities in Kentucky have been inundated with floodwaters, leading to evacuations and road closures.
While the storm is expected to wane by Monday, the threat of flooding will continue in the coming days. Parts of the Great Lakes region could also see significant lake-effect snow in the storm’s wake.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.