South and Midwest floods worsen after heavy rains, almost 20 dead

The recent torrential rains across the South and Midwest have led to catastrophic flooding, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and widespread devastation. States such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama have experienced unprecedented river levels, with the Kentucky River expected to crest above 49 feet in Frankfort . This deluge has prompted mass evacuations and significant disruptions to transportation systems, including thousands of flight delays . The impact on local infrastructure is profound; homes and businesses are inundated, leading many residents to describe this flooding as the worst they have witnessed in decades .

Since Wednesday, at least 20 people have died amid the outbreak of severe weather, including a 9-year-old boy in Kentucky who was swept away by floodwaters as he walked to a bus stop, and several people killed in southwestern Tennessee after a strong EF-3 tornado ripped through the city of Selmer.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp shared his sympathies Sunday evening after two people were killed when a tree fell on them at a Georgia golf course.

"Marty, the girls, and I are saddened by the tragic deaths of two Georgians in Muscogee County today as a result of the severe weather. We ask that you join us in keeping their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, along with all those responding to storm damage," Kemp said.

There were 521 domestic and international flights cancelled within the US, and more than 6,400 were delayed on Saturday, according to FlightAware.com. The website reported 74 cancellations and 478 delays of US flights early on Sunday.

The storms come after Donald Trump’s administration has cut jobs at NWS forecast offices, leaving half of them with vacancy rates of about 20%, or double the level of a decade ago.

Officials warned of flash flooding and tornadoes on Saturday across Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. All of eastern Kentucky was under a flood watch through Sunday morning.

In Arkansas, weather officials pleaded with people to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary due to widespread flooding.

BNSF Railway confirmed that a railroad bridge in Mammoth Spring was washed out by floodwaters, causing the derailment of several cars. No injuries were reported, but there was no immediate estimate for when the bridge would reopen.

In addition to immediate dangers posed by rising waters, there are long-term implications for affected communities. The National Weather Service has warned of potential severe thunderstorms that could exacerbate existing conditions . As emergency services work tirelessly to manage evacuations and provide aid, it becomes evident that recovery will be a prolonged process requiring substantial resources. The tragic loss of life underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness measures in these vulnerable regions .

Read more

Sarah H

Also on site :

• The Great Subterranean Sink: North America Is Dripping Into the Deep Earth
• Minecraft Movie exceeds expectations, debuting with $157 million
• Falcon 9 to Carry 27 Starlink Satellites Skyward from Vandenberg