Heavy rainfall has led to rising rivers and worsening flooding across the sodden U.S. South and Midwest, with communities already struggling to recover from previous storms. The extreme weather has tragically resulted in at least 18 fatalities as of Sunday. From Texas to Ohio, utility companies are working diligently to shut off power and gas to mitigate dangers, while cities are implementing road closures and deploying sandbags to protect homes and businesses from the relentless floodwaters.
In Frankfort, Kentucky, rescue crews have been navigating inundated streets in inflatable boats to check on residents. Wendy Quire, the general manager at the Brown Barrel restaurant in downtown Frankfort, remarked, “As long as I’ve been alive — and I’m 52 — this is the worst I’ve ever seen it.” As the swollen Kentucky River continues to rise, officials have been forced to divert traffic and turn off utilities in the city, which is built around the river.
Quire expressed her frustration, stating, “The rain just won’t stop. It’s been nonstop for days and days.” As of Sunday, the river's depth had surpassed 47 feet and is expected to crest above 49 feet Monday morning, potentially setting a new record. Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson indicated that the city's flood wall system is designed to withstand up to 51 feet of water.
Weather forecasts suggest that flooding issues could continue as torrential rains linger over several states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Additionally, forecasters have warned of potential tornadoes in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Many residents are bracing for the possibility that the worst is yet to come, with Kevin Gordon, a front desk clerk at the Ashbrook Hotel in downtown Frankfort, stating, “This flooding is an act of God.” The hotel remains open, offering discounted stays to affected locals, though Gordon fears they may soon have to close.
The storms have claimed at least 18 lives since their onset on Wednesday, with 10 fatalities reported in Tennessee alone. A heartbreaking incident in Kentucky involved a 9-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters while attempting to catch his school bus. In Arkansas, a 5-year-old boy tragically died when a tree fell on his family's home. Additionally, a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter in Missouri lost his life in a crash while trying to assist those affected by the storm.
The National Weather Service has reported that numerous locations across multiple states are expected to reach a major flood stage, raising concerns about extensive flooding of critical infrastructure, including structures, roads, and bridges. In north-central Kentucky, emergency officials have mandated evacuations for towns near the rapidly rising Licking River, recalling the devastating floods of thirty years ago that resulted in five deaths and the destruction of over 1,000 homes.
The severe weather has disrupted travel significantly, with over 523 domestic and international flights canceled within the U.S. and more than 6,900 delayed on Saturday, according to FlightAware.com. The storms have exacerbated staffing issues at the National Weather Service, which has faced cuts under the Trump administration, resulting in vacancy rates at forecast offices that are double what they were a decade ago.
As the storms continue, the NWS reported a staggering 5.06 inches of rain fell in Jonesboro, Arkansas on Saturday, marking it the wettest day ever recorded in April for the city, dating back to 1893. Meanwhile, Memphis received 14 inches of rain since Wednesday, and West Memphis recorded 10 inches. Forecasters attribute this violent weather pattern to a combination of warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong winds, and moisture streaming from the Gulf.
In Dyersburg, Tennessee, many residents sought refuge in a storm shelter, clutching blankets, pillows, and essential items. Among them was 77-year-old George Manns, who evacuated his apartment after hearing a tornado warning. He packed vital belongings, stating, “I have to make sure I have them with me.” For others, the urgency of the situation also meant salvaging items from their homes, including alcohol supplies. Frankfort resident Bill Jones, as floodwaters reached his windowsills, fled his home in a boat loaded with boxes of bourbon.
The community's resilience is evident as they navigate this challenging situation, and efforts to assist those affected are ongoing. The coming days will be crucial as residents brace for further weather impacts and work to recover from the devastation already caused by this extreme flooding.
