US Weather: Nine Lives Lost as Extreme Rain, Flooding, and Temperatures Plunge to -35°C Across Several States | US News
At least nine individuals, including a mother and her seven-year-old child, tragically lost their lives due to the severe weather conditions in the US.
Storms and significant flooding have affected regions in Kentucky, resulting in eight fatalities and hundreds requiring rescue.
Additively, a resident in Atlanta died when an “exceptionally large tree” fell onto a house on Sunday, as confirmed by Atlanta Fire Rescue.
Authorities have cautioned that the number of deaths may increase as search and rescue operations continue.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear remarked: “This is one of the most severe weather events we’ve experienced in at least a decade.”
He noted that many casualties have resulted from vehicles becoming trapped in deep water.
According to Hart County coroner Tony Roberts, the mother and child from the Bonnieville area were swept away on Saturday night. In Clay County, located in southeastern Kentucky, a 73-year-old man was also discovered deceased in floodwaters.
Larry Addington Field at Boyd County High School in Cannonsburg, Kentucky is currently submerged. Picture via AP
Abandoned vehicles submerged in floodwaters at a railroad underpass in Louisville. Photo: AP
Mr. Beshear urged: “So folks, avoid the roads right now to ensure your safety.”
“This phase is focused on search and rescue, and I commend all Kentuckians who are bravely responding and risking their lives.”
US President Donald Trump has given the green light for disaster relief funding as well.
The storms in Kentucky have left approximately 39,000 residences without power, and authorities have warned that fierce winds could exacerbate these outages.
Various regions of Kentucky and Tennessee experienced rainfall of up to 15cm over the weekend, and the effects “will linger for a while,” a senior forecaster indicated.
Water levels rising along the Cumberland River in Clarksville, Tennessee. Photo: AP
Bob Oravec from the US National Weather Service stated, “There are numerous swollen streams and widespread flooding occurring.”
“Flooding often lasts far longer than the rain itself,” he added.
Much of the US is currently experiencing harsh winter conditions.
During the weekend, avalanche warnings were issued for several regions of the Rocky Mountains as over two feet of snow fell in parts of Colorado.
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A man struggles to clear snow from a driveway in Lewiston, Maine. Photo: AP
Frigid temperatures are anticipated near the Canadian border, with lows expected to plunge to -35°C. Additionally, forecasters have warned that heavy snowfall combined with gusty winds could produce “dangerous whiteout conditions” in parts of New England and northern New York.
Tornado watches have also been issued for Georgia and Florida.
