Additional Coverage:
- Flash Flood Emergencies issued in multiple states as ‘generational flooding’ swamps central US (foxweather.com)
Historic Flooding Slams Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, Leaving Trail of Devastation
Flash flood emergencies were declared across parts of Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas Friday night as torrential rains triggered widespread, life-threatening flooding across the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of “generational flooding with devastating impacts.”
Cape Girardeau and Van Buren, Missouri, experienced particularly severe flooding, with Cape Girardeau reporting over 3 inches of rain in just 90 minutes. Emergency managers reported numerous water rescues and at least 10 roads submerged.
Simultaneously, the Texarkana region, spanning northeastern Texas and southwestern Arkansas, faced similar conditions, with 2-4 inches of rain prompting multiple water rescues. The NWS issued stark warnings, urging residents to “SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!”
adding to the urgency, tornado warnings were issued just miles from the flood-stricken areas of Missouri.
The widespread flooding extended beyond the areas under emergency declarations. The NWS offices in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Paducah, Kentucky, highlighted a particularly dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding situation across their regions. Tragically, a 9-year-old boy in Frankfort, Kentucky, lost his life after being swept away by floodwaters on his way to the school bus stop.
Hopkinsville, Kentucky, also suffered significant flooding, with approximately 60% of the downtown area underwater early Friday. A building collapse and multiple water rescues underscored the severity of the situation.
Mayor James Knight Jr. described the flooding as the worst the town had seen in decades. Further east in Van Lear, Kentucky, six people were rescued from floodwaters inundating homes and vehicles.
This devastating flooding follows heavy rainfall earlier in the week across western Tennessee, where both Nashville and Memphis broke daily rainfall records on Thursday. Nashville more than doubled its previous record, recording 3.8 inches of rain.
The deluge resulted in numerous water rescues in Nashville and widespread flooding in Memphis. Flooding also impacted Indiana, with officials in Shelbyville and Shelby County urging residents in low-lying areas to seek higher ground.
The threat of flooding continues through the weekend, with the potential for an additional 5-15 inches of rain, and some areas possibly seeing up to 20 inches. This intense rainfall, combined with already saturated ground, will likely lead to further flash flooding.
A level 4 out of 4 risk for flash flooding remains in effect Saturday for over 5 million people, and flood watches are in place across parts of 12 states. The NWS warns that the sheer volume of rainfall may cause flooding in areas not typically prone to it.
Even after the rain subsides on Sunday, the flood emergency will persist as the accumulated water continues to flow into streams and rivers across the region.