Over the weekend, torrential downpours in parts of the southeastern United States have resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, while roads and homes have been submerged under the relentless rainfall.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported that eight individuals have lost their lives in the state, indicating during a news conference on Sunday that this number may rise.
In a dramatic response to the flooding crisis, hundreds of individuals were trapped in rising waters, with many unable to escape their vehicles. Governor Beshear warned the public, urging residents to “stay off the roads right now and stay alive.”
In Georgia, authorities have confirmed the ninth fatality linked to recent severe weather, as a man was killed when an uprooted tree fell onto his home while he was in bed.
Several states, including Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina, were under various storm-related alerts this weekend. In September, nearly all those states experienced devastating damage due to Hurricane Helene.
On Sunday night, over half a million households across eight states experienced power outages, as reported by poweroutage.us.
Significant loss of life and widespread devastation have been reported in Kentucky, where a mother and her seven-year-old child, along with a 73-year-old man, are among the deceased.
According to figures from the National Weather Service, certain Kentucky areas experienced rainfall reaching 6 inches (15 centimetres), leading to significant flooding challenges across the region.
Images shared online depict a swift surge of rain that led to a rapid increase in river levels, resulting in vehicles being ensnared in several feet of water.
Governor Beshear announced on X that more than 300 roads are currently closed.
He stated that he had reached out to the White House to request an emergency disaster declaration and federal funding for the impacted regions, as reported by CBS News, a partner of the BBC.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump approved a declaration that empowers the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) to coordinate disaster relief efforts, despite his previous suggestions to abolish the agency.
Authorities have warned that the most severe flooding may still be ahead.
“The rivers are expected to continue rising,” stated Eric Gibson, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, during a press briefing on Sunday.
According to Bob Oravec, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service, the impacts of the current weather conditions are expected to persist, resulting in swollen streams and significant flooding in various areas.
In Obion County, Tennessee, heavy rainfall led to a levee breach, prompting what officials described as rapid onset flooding, according to a local National Weather Service report shared on X.
“Residents in the vicinity are urged to seek higher ground immediately.” “This situation poses a serious threat to life,” the post stated.
The town of Rives, situated alongside the Obion River, experienced significant flooding following the failure of a flood barrier.
Video captures brown water cascading over rocks and flowing past trees while rescue workers in red boats navigate through inundated homes.
Steve Carr, the mayor of Obion County, announced a state of emergency via Facebook, stating that mandatory evacuations would occur in Rives due to “the rising water, no electricity, and freezing temperatures creating a life-threatening situation.”
Situated to the northeast of Memphis, Rives has an estimated population of around 300 residents.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for 10 counties on Saturday, expanding the list to include three additional counties on Sunday.
“Morrisey urged the public to maintain a sense of caution,” he stated on X.
Kristi Noem, the head of the Department of Homeland Security overseeing FEMA, reported reaching out to Governors Beshear and Morrisey. Additionally, she has left voicemails for Governors Bill Lee of Tennessee and Kay Ivey of Alabama.
Noem emphasised the importance of local authorities in emergency management, stating, “We reinforced that DHS stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support.”
Meteorologists have issued warnings about the approaching polar vortex, which is expected to move into the northern Rocky Mountains and northern Plains early this week.
In Colorado, temperatures are expected to plummet to a chilling 14F (-10C), reportedly prompting the city of Denver to open shelters for its homeless population this weekend.
