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Louisville, KY — A powerful weekend storm system has left a trail of destruction across the Southeast, claiming at least ten lives. Kentucky has been particularly hard hit, with nine confirmed fatalities due to widespread flooding. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the deaths and stated that emergency responders have carried out over 1,000 rescues.
Beshear warned that the death toll could rise. One additional fatality was reported in Georgia, where a falling tree claimed a life in Atlanta.
Nearly 100 million Americans were under weather alerts Sunday. Widespread power outages affected 700,000 homes and businesses from New York to Alabama. Heavy rain and high winds were the primary culprits.
Over six inches of rain caused significant flooding across several Southern states. Louisville, Kentucky experienced over six inches of rain, leading to widespread flooding and numerous water rescues.
Officials warn that river levels are expected to continue rising. The White House has approved an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky.
Virginia also experienced flooding, with the Clinch River overflowing its banks. Evacuations and rescues were underway. In Tennessee, a nursing home was evacuated due to rising waters, and rescue crews continued to help residents trapped in their homes and on the streets.
Pikeville, Kentucky, saw floodwaters recede Sunday evening, but significant damage remains. Over 100 rescues were performed, and several water tanks remain out of service. Mutual aid teams from surrounding states are arriving to assist.
Hazard, Kentucky, experienced its worst flooding in 40 years. The mayor stated that the flooding is more extensive than the devastating floods of 2022. Numerous water rescues have been performed.
Among Kentucky’s fatalities are a mother and her 7-year-old child who were found in a submerged vehicle. Other victims include a man killed in a weather-related car accident and several individuals in various counties.
West Virginia declared a state of emergency for numerous counties, with near-hurricane-force winds and a flash freeze risk. Frigid air from Canada is sweeping across the Midwest and Northeast, bringing dangerously low wind chill temperatures. A major snowstorm is also predicted for the southern Plains to the Northeast in the coming days.