Life-threatening flash flooding is escalating across the South and Ohio Valley this weekend, as extreme rainfall triggers a “generational” event. At least nine people have died as a result of the days-long outbreak of destructive weather.
Five deaths have been confirmed in Tennessee alone, as well as two in Kentucky. Missouri and Indiana have each reported one death. With the weather still unfolding, officials are bracing for more casualties.
In Arkansas, flooding ripped apart a railroad bridge causing a train to derail and tumble into the rising river below.
In Kentucky, hundreds of roads have been closed due to rising floodwaters, mudslides, and rockslides, leaving many communities cut off from vital services. Officials are urging residents to avoid travel unless evacuating.
The storms are not showing signs of letting up. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in multiple areas as swollen rivers and saturated ground continue to pose an overwhelming threat. Emergency response teams are stretched thin, working in dangerous conditions to rescue stranded residents.
The situation is compounded by the possibility of more tornadoes, which have already devastated parts of the region, and the ongoing threat of damaging winds and hail.
See the latest forecast here.
This fast-moving, multi-faceted storm system is set to continue causing havoc across the region. The National Weather Service has issued urgent warnings for residents in the path of the storms to take immediate shelter and stay updated on emergency alerts.
Read on for the latest updates as the situation unfolds:
(01:54 p.m. EDT) Hellish Scenes In Little Rock
Powerful photos from the Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas captured the aftermath of a tree falling onto power lines, which then sparked a fire that engulfed a car.
Power outages have topped 116,000 across the state.
(01:45 p.m. EDT) Parts Of Kentucky Being Evacuated
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for the cities of Butler and Falmouth, Kentucky due to severe flooding.
These evacuations will remain in effect until further notice, as dangerous conditions persist in the area.
(01:33 p.m. EDT) Second Death Confirmed In Kentucky
An additional storm-related death has been confirmed in Kentucky, where a 74-year-old man was found submerged in a vehicle after heavy flooding in Nelson County. The tragedy adds to the growing toll of fatalities from this spree of submerged storms.
(01:20 p.m. EDT) Devastating Flood Images
Photos from Facebook user Donell Russell in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas reveal devastating flooding, with roads and bridges washed out by the relentless rising waters. Images show asphalt crumbling under the deluge and downed trees causing widespread damage.
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(01:09 p.m. EDT) Power Outages Climb In Arkansas
Severe storms across the states have left 109,000 people (and counting) without power, as powerful winds topple trees and power lines.
Photos from local media show extensive storm damage, including uprooted trees that have crashed into homes and snapped street lights blocking roads.
(12:57 p.m. EDT) “The Worst Part Of Our Job”
From weather.com digital meteorologist Briana Waxman:
I was working Friday morning when I saw this tweet come across my desk:
My heart instantly sank, and I said to our team “This is by far the worst part of our job.”
As a meteorologist, you come to expect these things in any dangerous weather event. But as a parent of two young children, it’s hard to focus when you hear of something like this and put yourself in the family’s shoes. I can’t imagine what they are going through.
(12:43 p.m. EDT) Not Just Flooding, But High Wind
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:
There are some 60-70 mph wind gusts moving through the Little Rock metro area, on top of the flash flooding. Typically, wind speeds that high can take down tree limbs, but the threshold will be even lower today. Some 45-55 mph gusts might be enough. There will likely be some major tree root balls coming out of the ground since the ground is so saturated right now.
(12:31 p.m. EDT) Train Derails After Flooding Washes Out Tracks
Flooding has ripped apart a railroad bridge near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, causing a train to derail, sending cars tumbling into the Warm Form Spring River.
Dramatic video shows the wreckage. The disaster highlights the destructive power of the ongoing flooding in the state.
(12:20 p.m. EDT) Flash Flood Emergency In Little Rock, Arkansas
As we receive word that a flash flood emergency has been issued for parts of Arkansas, it’s a good time to remind you why these warnings are so serious.
A flash flood emergency is the highest level of flood alert issued by the National Weather Service. It’s a rare, but critical warning signaling immediate, life-threatening flooding. These warnings are reserved for extreme situations where destructive flooding is imminent or ongoing and urgent action is required.
Unlike common flash flood warnings, which often affect roads and low-lying areas, flash flood emergencies indicate catastrophic danger and a high potential for damage.
(12:06 p.m. EDT) Don’t Underestimate The Dangers Of Flooding
Flooding is the second-leading cause of weather-related death, and on average kills more people every year than tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning combined. It only takes 6 inches of water to sweep you off your feet, and 12 inches can move a vehicle.
“Flooding is one of the most underestimated weather threats. It doesn’t look as dramatic as a tornado, but it’s far deadlier,” explains digital meteorologist Briana Waxman, “Many of those happen in vehicles. It’s silent, fast, and unforgiving.”
(11:55 a.m. EDT) On The Ground In Indiana
From weather.com meteorologist Robb Ellis, who is watching the impacts firsthand in Indiana:
“In central Indiana, a month’s worth of rain has fallen in just the first few days of April. In Indianapolis, 4.7″ of rain have fallen so far in April, which is more than the average rainfall of 4.34” for all of April And there are still 25 days left in April to go!
Flood warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings were ongoing Friday night into Saturday morning, in an area that is still cleaning up from Wednesday’s severe weather and tornadoes, including several tornadoes in the Indianapolis metro area.
On Wednesday an EF-2 tornado hit Brownsburg, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. the same thunderstorm produced an EF-1 tornado in the Carmel area of Indianapolis’ northern suburbs.”