Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky reported on Sunday that at least eight individuals have perished and over 1,000 others have been rescued from floodwaters. “We anticipate the number of fatalities to rise,” Beshear cautioned. He urged people to avoid traveling on the roads to ensure their safety.
Extensive power outages affected around half a million homes and businesses in the Southeast due to severe winds and heavy rainfall in states such as Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Flash flood warnings have been issued across the region.
The Louisville area in Kentucky was hit hard by 3 to 6 inches of rain, leading to widespread flooding as per the National Weather Service. Louisville Metro Police, along with river patrol and swift water rescue teams, were aiding local fire departments in high water rescue operations.
Beshear disclosed that the White House had granted his request for an emergency disaster declaration in the state. He described the flooding as “historic” and mentioned that over 300 roads were shut down statewide due to the hazardous conditions.
Updates:
– Police in Richlands, Virginia, announced that various parts of the town were flooded and advised some residents to evacuate. Although the Clinch River was receding, the risk of flash floods and earth/rock slides remained high.
– Macon County Emergency Services in Tennessee evacuated 52 residents from Palace Nursing Home in Red Boiling Springs due to rising waters.
In West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in ten counties and a state of preparedness in the remaining 45. He urged all residents to stay alert as severe thunderstorm warnings were in effect, with some storms expected to bring wind gusts close to hurricane strength.
The National Weather Service cautioned about a flash freeze possibility as temperatures plummet rapidly after dark, potentially causing icy roads. The West Virginia Emergency Management Division warned of black ice and advised drivers to reduce speed.
Additionally, a powerful storm resulted in ‘life-threatening’ floods in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Frigid air from Canada was descending into the Plains, Midwest, and Northeast, with temperatures potentially matching the season’s lowest levels. Cities like Detroit and Chicago were bracing for extreme cold, while the East Coast was preparing for a deep freeze.
High wind alerts, including warnings and advisories, were in place from New York to Florida, affecting nearly 100 million people. Strong west winds with gusts up to 50 mph were forecast for parts of Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. The upcoming days could also bring a snowstorm.
Widespread disruptions are expected from the southern Plains to the Northeast, according to AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathon Porter. He stated that there are two areas that could see 6 or more inches of snow. “One area is in portions of Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri due to the dry and powdery nature of the snow,” Porter explained. “The other extends from the central Appalachians to coastal areas of the mid-Atlantic, where there will be plenty of Gulf and Atlantic moisture available.” Forecasters mentioned that Washington, D.C., which has already been hit by two major snowstorms this season, could see 4 to 8 more inches midweek. AccuWeather indicated that should the storm reach its full potential, it could bring the largest snowfall of the winter for millions of Americans. The wild weather has already caused 8 fatalities in Kentucky due to flooding, as it continues to sweep across the nation.
