The eastern United States is grappling with severe flooding after a potent winter storm swept across the region over the weekend. The deluge, which has claimed at least 10 lives, was triggered by a storm moving eastward while drawing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Kentucky has been hit hardest, with nine fatalities reported, while Georgia recorded one death. The National Weather Service issued warnings of life-threatening floods in Kentucky, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The storm prompted several counties in the affected states to declare a state of emergency. Among them, parts of Tennessee's Obion County experienced a state of emergency after a river embankment failure led to significant flooding in the town of Rives. Steve Carr, an official, announced mandatory evacuations due to escalating water levels, power outages, and freezing conditions.
"There will be mandatory evacuations in effect for the residents in Rives due to the rising water, no electricity, and freezing temperatures creating a life-threatening situation," said Steve Carr.
Over the weekend, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urged residents to remain off the roads, highlighting that most fatalities resulted from vehicles getting stuck in high water. Despite concerted rescue efforts, over 1,000 people have been rescued in Kentucky since the storm began on Saturday, yet hundreds remain stranded.
"So folks, stay off the roads right now and stay alive," advised Governor Beshear.
Western Kentucky and Tennessee were especially vulnerable to flooding as the ground was already saturated from previous storms. The situation is poised to worsen as officials anticipate the death toll to rise with ongoing rescue operations. In addition to the flooding crisis, a blast of Arctic air is forecasted to bring record-breaking cold temperatures to central states from Tuesday through Thursday.
The expected frigid temperatures pose further challenges. Wind chills in the northern Plains could plummet between -30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 degrees Celsius) and -60 F (-52 C). Meanwhile, below-zero wind chills may extend as far south as southern Texas, Arkansas, western Tennessee, and Kentucky.
