At least nine people lost their lives over the weekend as torrential rains battered the southeastern United States, flooding homes and roads.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that eight people had died in his state and warned in a Sunday news conference that the number could rise. Rescue crews saved hundreds of stranded residents, many of whom were trapped in their vehicles. Beshear urged the public to “stay off the roads right now and stay alive.”
Another fatality occurred in Georgia when a storm-uprooted tree crashed into a man’s home while he was sleeping.
Several states, including Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, were under storm warnings throughout the weekend. Many of these states are still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September.
According to poweroutage.us, more than half a million households in these regions were without power by Sunday night.
Widespread Damage in Kentucky
Kentucky appears to have suffered the brunt of the destruction. Among the victims were a mother and her seven-year-old child, as well as a 73-year-old man.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that parts of Kentucky saw up to six inches (15 cm) of rainfall, triggering severe flooding. Rising river levels and rapid water accumulation left vehicles submerged, as seen in images circulating online.
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On X, Governor Beshear revealed that the flooding had closed over 300 roads. He also confirmed that he had reached out to the White House, requesting an emergency disaster declaration and federal assistance for impacted areas.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump approved the declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts despite previously suggesting the agency should be disbanded.
Authorities have cautioned that the crisis is far from over.
“The rivers are still going to rise,” said Eric Gibson, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management.
NWS senior forecaster Bob Oravec added, “The effects will continue for a while, with many swollen streams and ongoing flooding.”
Emergency Response in Tennessee
In Tennessee’s Obion County, heavy rainfall led to a levee breach, causing flash flooding. The local NWS office issued an urgent alert on X, warning residents:
“If you are in the area, GET TO HIGH GROUND NOW! This is a LIFE-THREATENING situation.”
The town of Rives, situated along the Obion River, was particularly hard-hit. Video footage captured rescue workers navigating the floodwaters in red boats as homes remained partially submerged.
Obion County Mayor Steve Carr declared a state of emergency on Facebook and announced mandatory evacuations in Rives, citing rising water levels, power outages, and freezing temperatures as life-threatening conditions.
Rives, located northeast of Memphis, has a population of around 300 residents.
West Virginia and Federal Assistance
In West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 counties on Saturday, later expanding it to include three more counties on Sunday.
“Please continue to be cautious,” Morrisey urged on X.
Meanwhile, Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, confirmed she had been in contact with Governors Beshear and Morrisey and had left messages for Tennessee’s Bill Lee and Alabama’s Kay Ivey.
“While emergency management is best led by local authorities, we reinforced that DHS stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support,” Noem stated.
Polar Vortex Expected to Hit the Rockies
Adding to the weather-related concerns, meteorologists warned that a polar vortex is expected to move into the northern Rocky Mountains and the northern Plains early this week.
Colorado could see temperatures drop as low as 14°F (-10°C), prompting officials in Denver to open shelters for the city’s homeless population over the weekend.
