Rivers Swell, Flooding Worsens Across U.S. South After Days of Torrential Rain
The relentless rains that have pummeled the U.S. South and parts of the Midwest for several days have triggered severe flooding, with rivers reaching near-record levels and inundating towns. The death toll has risen to at least 18, with many areas still facing worsening conditions as emergency responders work around the clock to assist residents.
Rivers like the Kentucky River and Cedar Creek have overflowed their banks, flooding homes and businesses, particularly in cities such as Frankfort, Kentucky, and surrounding areas. In Frankfort, the swelling Kentucky River is expected to crest above 49 feet by Monday, a record level, putting the city’s flood defenses to the test. Frankfort’s mayor, Layne Wilkerson, reassured residents that the city’s flood wall can withstand up to 51 feet, though many remain on edge as water continues to rise.
Wendy Quire, the general manager of the Brown Barrel restaurant in downtown Frankfort, shared her concern, saying, “The rain just won’t stop. It’s been nonstop for days.” The storm’s impacts are evident, with businesses closing, and utilities being shut off as a precaution in parts of Kentucky and Tennessee.
Among the 18 reported deaths, 10 occurred in Tennessee, including a tragic incident where a 9-year-old boy in Kentucky was swept away by floodwaters while heading to catch his school bus. A 5-year-old boy in Arkansas died when a tree fell on his family’s home, and a 16-year-old Missouri volunteer firefighter tragically lost his life in a rescue operation.
Search and rescue teams have been dispatched across the region, using inflatable boats to check on flooded neighborhoods and evacuate residents from inundated areas. Emergency officials in Kentucky have ordered mandatory evacuations for towns like Falmouth and Butler, located along the rising Licking River.
Local authorities are warning of further extensive flooding, as the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that dozens of locations in Kentucky, Tennessee, and surrounding states will continue to experience major flooding, potentially impacting critical infrastructure.
The storms have brought chaos not only through flooding but also through tornadoes that have caused significant damage. In Dyersburg, Tennessee, residents displaced by a recent tornado arrived at storm shelters with only essentials in hand, knowing that more severe weather could be on the way. One resident, George Manns, 77, evacuated his apartment with all his belongings after hearing tornado warnings, unsure of whether his home would survive the storm.
While many focused on survival, others, like Frankfort resident Bill Jones, salvaged personal items from their homes. Jones was seen fleeing his property in a boat, with boxes of bourbon stacked inside.
Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to an unstable atmosphere, strong winds, and the ample moisture streaming from the Gulf of Mexico. In Jonesboro, Arkansas, a staggering 5.06 inches of rain fell on Saturday alone, setting a new record for April rainfall. Memphis, Tennessee, received over 14 inches of rain between Wednesday and Sunday, contributing to severe flooding throughout the region.
In small towns like Rives, Tennessee, residents are facing dire circumstances. As the Obion River overflowed, Domanic Scott found his father’s home submerged up to the doorstep. Scott expressed frustration at the lack of flood insurance in the area, saying, “If we lose it, we’re kind of screwed without a house.”
As rescue operations continue, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and heed evacuation orders as more rain is forecast for the coming days.
Reference
Rivers Swell, Flooding Worsens Across U.S. South After Days of Torrential Rain