At least nine people have lost their lives after torrential rains and devastating floods swept through parts of the southeastern United States over the weekend. The worst-hit state, Kentucky, has reported eight fatalities, with Governor Andy Beshear warning that the number could rise as rescue efforts continue.
Kentucky was inundated with up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rain, leading to widespread flooding. Entire communities were submerged, with roads and homes disappearing under rising waters. Among the victims were a mother and her seven-year-old child, as well as a 73-year-old man. The rapid influx of rain caused rivers to swell, trapping numerous residents in their vehicles and homes. Emergency responders carried out hundreds of rescues, with Governor Beshear urging residents to avoid travel and stay safe.
Neighboring Georgia also experienced the storm’s deadly impact, with one man tragically killed after an uprooted tree crashed into his home while he was in bed. Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina were also affected, with each state under various storm-related alerts throughout the weekend.
Power outages have plagued the region, with more than half a million households left without electricity on Sunday night, according to poweroutage.us. The heavy rainfall has led to fears of further devastation, as river levels continue to rise.
In Tennessee, the situation escalated dramatically when a levee in Obion County broke, triggering flash floods. The town of Rives, home to about 300 residents, was particularly impacted. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an urgent warning, urging residents to evacuate immediately. Steve Carr, the Obion County mayor, declared a state of emergency, enforcing mandatory evacuations due to flooding, power outages, and freezing temperatures that pose life-threatening risks.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey also declared a state of emergency in 13 counties, emphasizing the ongoing threat of flooding. Officials across the region have urged residents to remain cautious, as forecasters predict additional rainfall and rising waters in the coming days.
Governor Beshear has formally requested an emergency disaster declaration from the White House to secure federal assistance for affected communities. President Donald Trump approved the declaration on Sunday, mobilizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts.
As emergency teams work tirelessly to mitigate the damage, meteorologists are warning of another threat—a polar vortex moving towards the northern Rocky Mountains and the northern Plains. Temperatures in Colorado could plummet to 14°F (-10°C), prompting Denver to open emergency shelters for the homeless.
With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, affected communities brace for further challenges as they navigate the aftermath of these devastating floods.
