At least ten people have died, including eight in Kentucky, as severe storms wreaked havoc across the southeastern United States over the weekend. Torrential rains, flooding, and powerful winds left roads underwater, knocked out power for hundreds of thousands, and prompted emergency declarations in multiple states. Officials warn that the worst may not be over yet, with more flooding expected in some areas.
Death and Destruction
Kentucky suffered the highest number of casualties, with Governor Andy Beshear confirming at least eight deaths, including a mother and her seven-year-old child who drowned after their car became trapped in rising floodwaters. A 73-year-old man was also among the dead. Beshear warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
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In Georgia, a ninth person was killed when an uprooted tree crashed into his home while he was sleeping. The storm’s powerful winds also downed trees and power lines, causing extensive damage throughout the region.
Emergency Response Amid Rising Floodwaters
More than 1,000 people were rescued in Kentucky alone within 24 hours, as emergency crews battled treacherous conditions to reach those stranded in vehicles and flooded homes. Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay off the roads. Over 300 road closures were reported across the state, making travel nearly impossible.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey also declared a state of emergency in 13 counties due to heavy rains and flooding. Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia were all under storm-related alerts, with many areas seeing catastrophic damage.
In Tennessee’s Obion County, heavy rains caused a levee to break, resulting in rapid and dangerous flooding. Officials issued urgent warnings for residents to seek higher ground, calling the situation “life-threatening.”
Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage
The storm’s impact extended beyond flooding, leaving more than 500,000 homes and businesses without power across multiple states. Strong winds and heavy rainfall caused widespread outages from the South up to New York. In Kentucky, approximately 39,000 homes were without electricity, with officials warning that worsening weather conditions could increase outages. The severe weather also forced the closure of the Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson, where patients were transferred to other hospitals due to flooding concerns.
Federal Assistance
Governor Beshear requested an emergency disaster declaration from the White House to secure federal funding for affected areas. President Donald Trump approved the request on Sunday, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts. Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed that she had been in contact with several governors in affected states, offering federal assistance.
More Extreme Weather on the Way
Meteorologists warn that the storm system is far from over. The National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted continued flooding, while a mass of Arctic air is expected to bring record-breaking low temperatures across the central United States. Some areas could see temperatures as low as -51°C (-60°F), with wind chills making conditions even more dangerous.
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Parts of the Midwest and Northeast are bracing for heavy snowfall, with up to a foot of snow expected in New York and northern New England. Ice storms are also a concern, with forecasters warning of power outages and dangerous travel conditions.