Roads submerged in water following intense flooding in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, on Friday. A state of emergency has been declared due to the rising waters and dangerous conditions. – Jason Davis/Getty Images
Destructive thunderstorms and persistent rain are leading to catastrophic flooding in the central United States this weekend, affecting areas already impacted by recent storms and tornadoes. The severe weather has resulted in at least eight fatalities across Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky since Wednesday. In Franklin County, Kentucky, a 9-year-old boy named Gabriel Andrews was swept away by floodwaters while heading to his school bus stop, according to authorities.
Warnings for severe weather issued on Tuesday are set to continue until Saturday and possibly Sunday, with the potential for additional tornadoes to form in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and the Lower Mississippi Valley—areas most at risk. Saturday marks the third consecutive day of the highest level of flooding rain risk in the Mississippi Valley, including portions of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Residents in these regions are anticipated to face “life-threatening” flash floods on Saturday afternoon into the evening, with heavy rainfall expected. This three-day period of extreme flooding risk is highly unusual outside of hurricane season.
By late Friday, millions of people were under flash flood warnings in five states, stretching from Texas to Kentucky, with hundreds of flood warnings active in at least 15 states. These numbers are projected to rise over the weekend.
The potential for “generational” flooding, as warned by the National Weather Service, is a result of the stagnant weather pattern causing repeated storms to hit the same areas in the central and southern U.S. The pattern is expected to shift eastward starting Sunday.
Most severe weather threats are anticipated to decrease to a level 3 out of 5 on Saturday. Storm risks will persist for the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, and Georgia on Sunday, while the flood threat in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky should diminish by Sunday afternoon.
Authorities in West Plains, Missouri conducted multiple water rescues as flooding overwhelmed the area. Several fire departments assisted with rescue efforts, with a woman being hospitalized after being struck by lightning. The Missouri State Highway Patrol cautioned against travel at night, emphasizing the dangers of water-covered roads.
Videos showing water rushing over a state highway in Howell County, west of West Plains, underscore the severity of the flooding situation.
According to CNN, the recent flooding in various regions is just one of many low water crossing areas experiencing issues. Authorities conducted 15 water rescues in Van Buren, Missouri, due to heavy rainfall. The Black River near Poplar Bluff is expected to reach major flooding levels this weekend. The Army Corps of Engineers filled 1,500 sandbags to fortify the nearby levee. Areas from northeastern Texas to Kentucky are at high risk of flooding following recent tornadoes.
Forecasters warn of historic flooding from Arkansas to Kentucky due to over a foot of rain falling in a short period. Hardy, Arkansas, experienced severe flooding as the Spring River reached record levels. Water rescues were ongoing, with the Sharp County Sheriff rescuing three dogs. In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency as 390 roads were closed due to flooding, mudslides, and rockslides.
Drone footage from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, shows widespread destruction from the heavy rain. Residents describe efforts to control the flooding using sandbags and pumps. In Van Lear, Kentucky, swift water technicians rescued six people from flooded homes. Kentucky has faced repeated storm damage, including a winter storm earlier this year and flash floods in 2021.
In Cincinnati, Ohio, Drew’s on the River Sports Bar and Grill prepares for potential flooding as the Ohio River rises. A fresh threat of tornadoes looms over the central US, with numerous tornadoes reported this week.
Severe storms are forecasted to occur in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and the Lower Mississippi Valley over the weekend.
A tornado struck Selmer, Tennessee, causing significant damage to a newly built apartment complex. Residents sought shelter in their laundry rooms as the storm hit, with witness accounts of destruction including demolished cars, debris piles, and sections of the roof torn away.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee advised residents to remain vigilant as the storm continued, with the state reporting the highest storm-related death toll so far. In Missouri, a tornado hit Pilot Grove, leaving a trail of debris and destruction. The storm also caused damage in Nevada, Missouri, affecting a former motel serving as student housing.
In Texas, damage was reported following multiple tornadoes. The National Weather Service has identified at least 31 tornadoes in eight states since the storms began, with three reaching EF3 to EF5 strength in Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas.
CNN journalists contributed to this report. To access more CNN news and newsletters, visit CNN.com and create an account.
