Catastrophic spring storms devastated the American South and Midwest, killing a minimum of seven individuals and endangering millions as they went on to dump severe weather throughout the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) sent warnings of “potentially historic” rain, with flash flooding and tornadoes hanging over communities from Arkansas through West Virginia.
The storms have already caused extensive damage, particularly in Tennessee, Missouri, and Indiana. At least through Thursday, multiple deaths have been reported, and additional casualties are anticipated as the severe weather persists. According to the Associated Press, the storms have resulted in at least seven deaths in the three states, with many areas now under flood advisories.
“This flood event will be a marathon — not a sprint,” the NWS warned on social media, pointing to the continued risk of deadly flash flooding across already beleaguered neighborhoods. The agency also warned of tornadoes and strong winds, with twisters touching down in Arkansas and Oklahoma late Wednesday. Windstorms were also blowing in Indiana and Kentucky on Thursday as part of the devastation.
The heaviest flash flooding and rain have occurred in southwestern Kentucky, western Tennessee, and northeastern Arkansas. These areas were identified by the NWS as being in the most vulnerable position to suffer “life-threatening flash flooding” following Wednesday’s torrential rainfall. The Kentucky WUKY station relayed widespread damage to property and individual injuries, and the state remains on high alert as the storms move eastward.
Arkansas is also battling the inclement weather, with Little Rock Public Radio covering baseball hail and tornado threats at high speeds. The northeast region of the state is most under threat, and a greater risk of more damage is anticipated as the weather system continues to sweep further over the region.
Residents in all the impacted communities are requested to act swiftly and prepare for worse conditions as the storm system persists through Sunday. Emergency response is dealing with the extensive damage, but the NWS cautioned that the extreme weather would continue to present challenges to the area for at least a few more days.
