Severe flooding and storms continue to affect the citizens with the death toll officially reaching 16. The area worst affected by these natural calamities turned out to be Tennessee where 10 people died in that part alone. Also affected areas include Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, and Indiana. The National Weather Service has officially released a warning of severe flash flooding in the near future.
16 lives lost, more fatalities predicted
The police officials from Franklin County, Kentucky, announced that a 9-year-old boy was “swept away by floodwaters”. Moreover, a 74-year-old man’s body was found in his vehicle that was immersed in floodwater. The officials from Little Rock, Arkansas released a statement notifying of a 5-year-old’s death in their home.
Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear took to social media to pronounce the worst situation revealing that severe flooding has already “reached record levels in many communities”. He further appealed to the people to stay in their homes for the time being asking them to “avoid travel, and never drive through water”.
According to several claims, a 57-year-old man passed away during the storms in West Plains, Missouri. It is reported that he was getting out of his car when it was swept off in the flood.
As per the guidelines released by the storm prediction center, more than 40 million people are currently in the danger zone from the Ohio River Valley south towards southeast Texas. It was further predicted that around 35 million people are currently in at-risk areas for flash floods from northeast Texas to southern Illinois.
The Mississippi Valley including areas of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Missouri has been given a level 4 risk, the highest level, for the third time. The residents of these communities have been warned of witnessing “life-threatening flash floods”.
Severe flooding affected areas in Mammoth Spring where a major catastrophe was reported. The submersion of the bridges caused several cars to derail. Although, fortunately, no casualties were reported, the bridge was closed down for the near future causing the residents to take longer, alternate routes.
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Aftermath of the natural disaster
The transport system has been deeply disturbed as a result of floods washing out bridges. In Arkansas, a train was stopped from departing disturbing the entire transport schedule. Some trains were fully submerged under flood water and were further disrupted with the ongoing heavy rain making it difficult for first responders to bring them to safety.
The residents in the danger zones of flash floods reported a massive power outrage leaving over 80,000 homes and offices in the dark. According to poweroutrage.us, Arkansas is the worst affected followed by Michigan where around 50,000 customers were cut off power. Mississippi and Tennessee followed close behind with around 30,000 residents living off power. Alabama also saw around 10,000 residents affected.
In the aftermath of the flash floods, videos show locals of Kentucky traveling via boats around their houses. Louisville Mayor, Craig Greenberg announced that the Ohio River has already risen over 5 feet in the past 24 hours and is further expected to rise higher.
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Further threats
According to the Storm Prediction Center, tornadoes and strong winds are expected in multiple regions of the Southeast. Heavy winds are also predicted to affect parts of Southern Virginia.
Tennessee Governor, Bill Lee warned his residents to still be vigilant and take precautions for shelter, alerting them that although large-scale damage has been done, “the storm is going to continue.”
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