After days of destructive weather, communities across the central and southern U.S. are bracing for yet another threat: rapidly rising river levels. Following relentless rain and powerful tornadoes last week, parts of the South are now facing major flood risks, even as skies begin to clear.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued fresh tornado and flood alerts across multiple states, warning of “life-threatening, catastrophic and potentially historic flash flooding” throughout the Lower Ohio Valley and Mid-South.
Rivers on the Rise from Arkansas to Ohio
Although the severe storms have moved on in some areas, their aftermath continues to unfold. River levels from Arkansas to Ohio are dangerously high, and some are expected to crest well above flood stage. In Kentucky, rivers could rise more than 15 feet above normal levels, according to the NWS in Louisville.
Hundreds of roads in Kentucky were closed over the weekend due to flooding and rockslides. In Arkansas, flooding destroyed a railroad bridge near Mammoth Spring, derailing a train and sending railcars into the Warm Fork Spring River.
Tornadoes and Torrential Rainfall Slam Region
The widespread devastation was caused by a stationary atmospheric river — a stream of moisture in the sky — that parked over the region late last week, triggering tornadoes and dumping massive amounts of rain. Mayfield, Kentucky recorded a staggering 13.4 inches of rainfall, one of several cities in the state to report double-digit totals.
As of Sunday, tornado warnings were still in effect in parts of Alabama and Mississippi, while flash flood warnings continued in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Human Toll: At Least 17 Dead Across Several States
The storm system has claimed at least 17 lives so far. Tennessee has suffered the greatest loss, with 10 confirmed deaths. The other fatalities occurred in Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
In Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed storm damage across 14 counties, and the loss of one resident in Jasper County. “Please pray for these Mississippians and their families,” Reeves wrote on social media.
A heartbreaking tragedy struck Frankfort, Kentucky, where 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews was swept away by floodwaters while walking to his school bus stop. Gov. Andy Beshear described the incident as “devastating” and warned that the state is still under threat. “We’ve already lost two of our people, both children of God loved by many,” he said.
Tennessee Faces Continued River Flooding Threat
Tennessee remains on high alert as major rivers, including the Cumberland River in Clarksville and the Red River in Port Royal, approach major flood stage. “We have several rivers expected to go into major flood,” said Krissy Hurley of the NWS in Nashville.
Among the victims in Tennessee was Chance Carlton, a 32-year-old lineman for Carroll County Electric, who died while restoring power during the storms. He is remembered as a loving husband, father of two daughters, and an active member of his church.
What’s Next?
Although the worst of the system may be moving east, the threat is not yet over. The NWS warns that heavy rain will persist from the Appalachian Mountains to the Central Gulf Coast, with potential for additional flash flooding.
Forecasters remain cautious but hopeful that the risk of catastrophic flooding is slowly diminishing. Still, with swollen rivers yet to crest and ground saturated, residents are urged to stay alert and heed local emergency warnings.
