At least nine people lost their lives over the weekend as relentless downpours flooded roads and homes across the southeastern United States.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that eight deaths occurred in his state and warned that the toll could rise. “Stay off the roads right now and stay alive,” Beshear urged residents during a Sunday news conference, as emergency crews rescued hundreds of people stranded in floodwaters.
In Georgia, a ninth victim died when an uprooted tree crashed into a home, striking a man as he lay in bed. States including Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina remained under storm alerts, many still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September.
By Sunday afternoon, nearly 400,000 people were without power, according to poweroutage.us. Kentucky bore the brunt of the destruction, with a mother and her seven-year-old child among the victims. Some areas received up to six inches (15 cm) of rain, triggering flash floods and stranding vehicles in deep water.
Governor Beshear reported over 300 road closures and has formally requested federal disaster aid. President Donald Trump approved the emergency declaration on Sunday, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts.
Officials warned that flooding dangers remain. “The rivers are still going to rise,” said Eric Gibson, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management. Bob Oravec, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service, added, “The effects will continue for a while, a lot of swollen streams and a lot of flooding going on.”
In Tennessee, a levee failure in Obion County led to rapid flooding. The National Weather Service issued an urgent warning on X: “If you are in the area, GET TO HIGH GROUND NOW! This is a LIFE-THREATENING situation.”
Meanwhile, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 13 counties, urging residents to remain cautious.
Kristi Noem, newly appointed head of the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed she had been in contact with several governors about the crisis. “While emergency management is best led by local authorities, we reinforced that DHS stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support,” she stated.
As the southeastern states battle the floods, meteorologists are tracking a polar vortex moving toward the northern Rocky Mountains and Plains, bringing frigid temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C) to Colorado. Denver has opened emergency shelters for its homeless population in preparation for the bitter cold.
