Kentucky flooding kills eight as winter storm paralyses parts of US

Heavy rain, snow, and extreme cold disrupt multiple states as rescue efforts continue.

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At least nine people have died as a powerful winter storm system continues to batter the United States, with eight fatalities reported in Kentucky due to severe flooding. One person was also killed in Atlanta when a massive tree fell on a home amid stormy conditions.

The widespread weather system has brought heavy rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and dangerous winds across multiple states, prompting authorities to issue emergency warnings and urge residents to stay indoors.

Kentucky Devastated by Flooding
Kentucky bore the brunt of the storm, where intense rainfall caused creeks to swell and submerge roads, cars, and buildings across multiple counties.

Governor Andy Beshear confirmed on Sunday that hundreds of people had to be rescued from floodwaters. He urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, warning that many of the deaths occurred when vehicles became trapped in rising water.

 

 

 

 

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“So folks, stay off the roads right now and stay alive,” Beshear said. “This is the search and rescue phase, and I am very proud of all the Kentuckians that are out there responding, putting their lives on the line.”

Authorities reported the tragic deaths of a mother and her 7-year-old child, who were swept away by floodwaters in Bonnieville, Kentucky. In Clay County, a 73-year-old man was also found dead in floodwaters, according to Revelle Berry, the county’s Emergency Management Deputy Director.

 

 

 

 

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According to the National Weather Service (NWS), some areas of Kentucky and Tennessee received up to 15 cm of rain over the weekend, leading to extreme flooding.

Beshear said about 39,000 homes in Kentucky were without power, and strong winds could worsen outages in some regions.

Emergency Declared as Floodwaters Rise
The flooding has caused disruptions across Kentucky, forcing hospitals to shut down and evacuate patients.

In Jackson, Kentucky, the Kentucky River Medical Center was forced to close its emergency department and transfer patients to other hospitals due to rising water levels.

The North Fork of the Kentucky River was forecast to crest nearly 4.3 meters above flood stage, causing concern for additional damage.

Authorities in Simpson County reported multiple rescues from stalled vehicles caught in floodwaters. Officials in Virginia also reported blocked roads and mudslides in Buchanan County due to heavy rains.

Residents in affected areas were urged to stay indoors and avoid travel as the flood warnings remained in effect for Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Virginia.

 

 

 

 

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Bitter Cold and Dangerous Winds Hit Northern Plains
Beyond Kentucky, the storm brought extreme cold and dangerous winds across the Northern Plains and Midwest.

The Dakotas and Minnesota are bracing for wind chill temperatures as low as -45°C, which could cause frostbite in minutes.

Heavy snowfall and wind gusts up to 97 km/h are also expected in New England and northern New York, leading to potential whiteout conditions.

Forecasters predict 10 cm of snow across parts of Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and Michigan by Sunday evening.

Atlanta and Southeast Face Storms, Tornado Threats
In Atlanta, one person was killed when an "extremely large tree" collapsed on a home early Sunday morning, according to Atlanta Fire Rescue Capt. Scott Powell.

Firefighters were dispatched at 5 a.m. after receiving a 911 call about the collapse.

Meanwhile, tornado watches were issued for parts of Georgia and Florida, where strong thunderstorms and heavy winds are expected to cause further damage.

Polar Vortex Brings Deep Freeze Across US
Meteorologists have warned that the US is experiencing its 10th—and coldest—polar vortex event this season.

Frigid Arctic air is pushing deep into the US and Europe, causing sub-freezing temperatures in many states.

Denver, for example, saw temperatures drop as low as -10°C over the weekend, prompting officials to open emergency shelters for the homeless.

Weather experts warn that extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and flooding could persist for several days, urging residents to stay alert and prepared for further disruptions.