Severe Flooding Strikes Southeast U.S. as Snow and Freezing Temperatures Predicted for Northeast and Plains

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Severe rainfall and perilous flooding impacted the Southeast U.S. as much of the East faced another wave of harsh, rainy weather on Saturday, resulting in at least one confirmed death in Kentucky.

A man was discovered deceased in floodwaters in Clay County, Kentucky, according to WKYT-TV. Clay County Emergency Management officials were unavailable for immediate comment from The Associated Press regarding additional information.

In Kentucky, water submerged vehicles and structures while mudslides obstructed roads in Virginia. Flood warnings were issued in both states, as well as in Tennessee and Arkansas. The National Weather Service advised residents to refrain from traveling.

Forecasters also anticipated weekend snowstorms in the Northeast and a potential tornado threat for the Mississippi Valley.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 southern counties on Saturday night due to heavy rainfall and flooding, enabling the state to deploy resources to assist local agencies.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear proactively declared a state of emergency in the state, predicting flash flooding to continue into Sunday. Flash flooding had already affected certain roads in Bowling Green, with parts of western Kentucky possibly receiving up to 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) of rain.

“We aim to strategically position resources in areas that are flood-prone and have experienced flooding previously,” Beshear stated on social media.

He later updated residents through social media about flooding risks in areas such as Jackson County, noting that Kentucky State Police officers were conducting wellness checks while shelters were being set up in Pike County and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg.

The Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson announced the closure of its emergency department and the transfer of patients to two other hospitals in the vicinity. The hospital planned to reassess conditions on Sunday morning to decide when it could safely reopen. The north fork of the Kentucky River was anticipated to crest nearly 14 feet (4.3 meters) above flood stage that afternoon, according to the weather service.

Photos shared by authorities and residents on social media depicted submerged vehicles and buildings in south-central and eastern Kentucky. The sheriff’s office in Buchanan County, Virginia, reported that numerous roadways were blocked by mudslides.

In Kentucky, the Simpson County Office of Emergency Management reported multiple rescues of individuals from stranded vehicles in floodwaters.

“If possible, please stay home,” the office advised on Facebook.

Flash flooding risks were present in the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio valleys, the weather service indicated. Flash flood warnings were issued for much of central Tennessee through the evening.

The National Weather Service characterized the anticipated rainfall as a “major, potentially historic, flash flood event.”

At the same time, significant snowfall was expected to cover much of New England before transitioning to sleet, complicating travel conditions. The most substantial accumulations, potentially exceeding a foot (30.5 centimeters), were expected in upstate New York and parts of northern New England.

“Ice build-up of up to a quarter inch is expected in some regions, making driving risky. Severe icing in certain areas could lead to downed trees and power outages,” the weather service cautioned.

Snow and arctic temperatures swept across much of the Midwest and Upper Plains, causing roads in eastern Nebraska, northern Iowa, and most of Wisconsin to be covered in snow. Winter weather advisories were issued for parts of those states along with Michigan, projecting up to 4 inches (10.6 centimeters) of snow throughout Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and most of Michigan by Sunday evening.

Frigid Polar Vortex

Meteorologists noted that the U.S. was set to experience its 10th and coldest polar vortex stretch of the season, with the northern Rockies and northern Plains being the first areas affected. Weather systems in the Arctic are merging to push the frigid air that typically remains near the North Pole into the U.S. and Europe.

In Denver, where temperatures were expected to plummet to as low as 14 degrees (minus 10 degrees Celsius) over the weekend, the city opened shelters for those without homes.

Forecasters reported snowfall rates of an inch (2.5 centimeters) per hour just north of Denver. In Boulder County, a deserted vehicle that became stuck in snow while trying to cross railroad tracks was hit and badly damaged by a train on Saturday afternoon. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but authorities cautioned drivers about the slick roads.

The weather service also warned of extreme cold in the Upper Plains in the days ahead, with wind chills ranging from minus 30 degrees (minus 34 degrees Celsius) to as low as minus 60 degrees (minus 51 degrees Celsius) in parts of western Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, and western Minnesota. Residents in those areas were advised to stay indoors and ensure shelter for livestock and other animals.

California Struggles With Mudslides

After the strongest storm of the year, dry weather has returned to Southern California. However, the threat of rock and mudslides on wildfire-scarred hillsides remains, as dangerous slides can occur even after the rain has ceased, particularly in regions where vegetation that stabilizes the soil has burned away.

Water, debris, and boulders rushed down the mountains in Sierra Madre on Thursday night, burying at least one vehicle in mud and damaging several home garages. Bulldozers worked to clear the mud-covered streets in the city, which has a population of 10,000.

A storm in the Sierra Nevada dropped 6 feet (1.8 meters) of snow over 36 hours. Two ski patrol members at Mammoth Mountain were caught in an avalanche while performing avalanche mitigation work on Friday morning, as stated in a Facebook post by the resort. One was rescued and remained responsive, while the other was hospitalized with serious injuries.

By Dylan Lovan