Deadly Flooding and Storms Batter US South and Midwest

Severe weather, including torrential rain and flash flooding, struck the US South and Midwest on Saturday. These areas were already saturated from days of intense storms that also produced deadly tornadoes. The central US experienced heavy rainfall, leading to rapidly rising waterways and numerous flash flood emergencies.

The National Weather Service (NWS) anticipated that many locations across multiple states would reach "major flood stage," potentially causing extensive flooding of buildings, roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure. The storms have resulted in at least 16 weather-related deaths, with Tennessee reporting 10 fatalities.

Tragically, a 57-year-old man died in Missouri after exiting his car, which was then swept away. Kentucky also suffered two fatalities due to flooding, including a young boy and an elderly individual found in a submerged vehicle. In Arkansas, a five-year-old died in a weather-related incident. Earlier in the week, tornadoes caused significant destruction and were responsible for at least seven deaths.

The extreme flooding in a major cargo hub corridor, including Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, could disrupt shipping and supply chains. The current situation comes at a time when many NWS forecast offices are experiencing significant staffing shortages. The Ohio River in Louisville rose dramatically in a short period, with officials predicting one of the worst flooding events in the city's history.

Flash flood and tornado warnings remained in effect across several states, with more heavy rain and damaging winds expected. Hundreds of roads in Kentucky were impassable due to floodwaters, fallen trees, or landslides. Emergency evacuations were ordered in some areas, and warnings were issued about potential catastrophic flooding.

A railroad bridge in Arkansas was washed out by floodwaters, causing a train derailment. Significant rainfall amounts were recorded in Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri. Forecasters attributed the severe weather to a combination of factors, including warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear, and abundant moisture. Tornadoes were observed in Missouri and Arkansas, with one tornado near Blytheville, Arkansas, lofting debris to a significant height.