A relentless barrage of severe storms and flooding has swept across the central United States, resulting in widespread devastation and a growing death toll. At least 16 weather-related deaths have been reported, with 10 occurring in Tennessee and six others spread across Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas, according to the Associated Press.
The intense weather pattern, characterized by heavy rainfall and powerful storms, has triggered flash flood emergencies and created hazardous conditions throughout the region.
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Overnight into Sunday morning, new tornado warnings were issued in Alabama and Mississippi, while flash flood warnings remained in effect for several counties in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Flash flood emergencies, the most severe flood warning level, indicate a high likelihood of catastrophic damage and a significant threat to human life.
Water rescues continued on Saturday. In Arkansas, Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell reported rescuing three dogs. Hardy Mayor Ethan Barnes estimated that more than half of the city’s residents would be affected by the rising floodwaters over the weekend.
“We’ve been significantly impacted over the past few days,” said A.J. Gary, director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, on Saturday afternoon.
The heavy rainfall has resulted in double-digit totals in some areas of Tennessee and Kentucky. The mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys experienced another round of intense rain on Saturday night, exacerbating the already critical situation.
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The severe weather has come on the heels of a deadly outbreak of powerful tornadoes earlier in the week.
Tragic incidents include the death of a 5-year-old in Little Rock, Arkansas, who was killed when their home was struck by a severe storm. In Kentucky, a 74-year-old man was found deceased in a submerged vehicle on Saturday, about 30 miles south of Louisville. The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office issued a stark warning on Facebook, urging drivers to avoid flooded roadways: “Please do not try to cross flooded roadways. The result does not outweigh the risk. Turn around, don’t drown is more than a saying, it’s the difference between life and death.”
In Frankfort, Kentucky, floodwaters swept away a 9-year-old boy on Friday morning, contributing to the rising death toll. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences and emphasized the danger of the floodwaters: “My heart breaks for this family. We need everyone to understand that all water poses a risk right now. Let’s do everything possible to keep our loved ones safe.”
The widespread flooding has caused significant damage and disruption. In Hopkinsville, Tennessee, more than half of the downtown area is underwater. Resident Tony Kirves described the situation as “like a lake” as he attempted to protect his photography business with sandbags and a vacuum.
The National Weather Service issued flash flood emergencies for at least seven cities in Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri on Friday night. In East St. Louis, floodwaters inundated streets.
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The West Plains Fire Department in Missouri responded to numerous reports of flooding and stranded motorists. The city of Van Buren, Missouri, also experienced intense flash flooding, with the town’s Central Dispatcher Facebook account describing “historic and devastating flooding” and posting a map of dozens of road closures.
In Texarkana, Texas, police reported multiple flood rescues and urged residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary.
The weather has also disrupted travel. According to FlightAware.com, there were significant flight cancellations and delays on Saturday, although the situation improved somewhat by Sunday morning.
Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to a powerful atmospheric river with tropical roots, which has been soaking a 1,000-mile stretch from the southern Plains to the Ohio Valley. Some areas are expected to receive rainfall totals equivalent to four months’ worth within a five-day period.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned of the continued threat of “life-threatening and catastrophic flash flooding” in the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys. “People across the region need to be prepared for a life-threatening flooding emergency. Relentless rounds of rainfall and back-to-back storms could quickly trigger catastrophic flooding,” Porter stated.
The flooding is expected to persist, with some areas remaining underwater into next week due to ongoing rainfall. Runoff from the excessive rain will also lead to moderate to major flooding on rivers in the coming weeks.
Authorities and weather experts urge residents in affected areas to stay informed, heed warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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