Devastating Floods Claim at Least 10 Lives Across the U.S.
A deadly storm has struck the southeastern region of the United States over the weekend, resulting in at least ten fatalities due to torrential downpours that flooded various parts of the area. The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, reported nine deaths within his state and declared an emergency disaster declaration following approximately 1,000 people being rescued from floodwaters.
Beshear also warned that these same areas might face drier but colder conditions in the coming days, raising concerns about potential snowfall and ice. According to BBC meteorologist John Hutchinson, this could cause significant disruptions.
In Georgia, one death occurred when a man sleeping in his bed was struck by an uprooted tree that crashed into his home during the storm. Eight other statesKentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolinawere under some form of storm-related alert over the weekend.
Almost all these states experienced catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene in September last year. This latest round of flooding has left hundreds of thousands without power; however, early Monday morning reports indicate that this number had decreased to tens of thousands according to Poweroutage.us.
National Weather Service data shows parts of Kentucky received up to six inches (15 centimeters) of rain during the storm. The rapid influx led to river levels rising quickly and trapping vehicles in floodwaters, with hundreds of roads being closed as a result.
Among those who lost their lives were a mother and her seven-year-old child, along with an 73-year-old man. In Knott County, which had been hit by devastating flooding two years prior, one resident expressed worry about losing everything again due to the severity of recent events.
Beshear wrote to President Donald Trump requesting an emergency disaster declaration and federal funds for affected areas. On Sunday afternoon, Trump approved the request, allowing FEMAthe agency he has suggested abolishingto coordinate disaster relief efforts.
In Tennessees Obion County, heavy rains caused a levee breach resulting in rapid flooding. The town of Rives along the Obion River was particularly hard hit; footage showed brown water rushing over rocks and past trees as rescue workers evacuated flooded homes by boat.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for more than a dozen counties following this weekends storm, while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem assured governors of affected states that her department stood ready to offer immediate assistance and support.
The same weather system is now moving into parts of Canada with heavy snowfall. Additionally, the National Weather Service has warned that arctic air could bring record-breaking cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills to the central United States in coming days.
