Another devastating wave of torrential rain and flash flooding battered parts of the South and Midwest on Saturday, compounding the destruction already left behind by days of severe weather and deadly tornadoes. Forecasters warned that rivers in many areas would continue rising for days, posing further risks to life and infrastructure.
Since Wednesday, intense rains have overwhelmed waterways from Texas to Ohio, with more than a foot of rain reported in parts of Kentucky and over 8 inches in Missouri and Arkansas. The National Weather Service predicted that dozens of locations across multiple states would hit “major flood stage,” threatening homes, roads, and vital infrastructure.
At least 16 people have died in weather-related incidents, including 10 in Tennessee. A 57-year-old man drowned after his car was swept off a road in Missouri. In Kentucky, a 9-year-old boy and a 74-year-old man lost their lives in separate flood incidents. In Arkansas, a 5-year-old died in a weather-related incident at home, though details remain undisclosed.
Earlier in the week, tornadoes destroyed entire neighborhoods, contributing to at least seven fatalities. The damage has disrupted interstate commerce, particularly across cargo hubs in Louisville and Memphis, raising concerns about potential shipping delays. Jonathan Porter of AccuWeather noted that the flooding could severely affect the supply chain.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the Ohio River had risen 5 feet within 24 hours and warned, “We expect this to be one of the top 10 flooding events in Louisville history.”
Emergency Evacuations and Infrastructure Damage
Flash flood warnings remained in effect across Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. In eastern Kentucky, hundreds of roads were closed due to water, debris, or landslides. In north-central Kentucky, officials issued a mandatory evacuation for Falmouth, a town along the rising Licking River. The area has painful memories of the catastrophic 1997 flood that destroyed over 1,000 homes.
In Hopkinsville, Kentucky, waters receded Saturday morning, offering temporary relief. “We got a little rain, but most of it went north of us,” said Mayor James R. Knight Jr. “Thank goodness on that. Gave us a little break.”
In Arkansas, a railroad bridge collapse in Mammoth Spring caused a train derailment, though no injuries were reported. Travel advisories remained in place as officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary journeys.
The Science Behind the Storms
Meteorologists attributed the severe weather to a potent mix of warm temperatures, unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear, and Gulf moisture. Two tornadoes were confirmed Friday evening in Missouri and Arkansas, with one near Blytheville launching debris 25,000 feet into the air, according to NWS meteorologist Chelly Amin.
In Dyersburg, Tennessee, residents like 77-year-old George Manns took shelter in storm centers. “I don’t leave them in my apartment in case my apartment is destroyed,” he said, referring to his essentials. “I have to make sure I have them with me.”
With more rain in the forecast and rivers still swelling, many communities remain on high alert as emergency responders brace for further challenges in the coming days.
