Mathias Busekist
Severe thunderstorms and relentless rain are triggering catastrophic flooding across the middle of the US this weekend.
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Severe storms and torrential rain have caused deadly flooding and destruction across the central United States, where communities are still reeling from previous weather disasters. At least eight people have died since Wednesday across Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky, as the relentless weather system continues to batter the region.
Among the victims was 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews, who was swept away by floodwaters in Franklin County, Kentucky, while walking to his school bus stop, according to CNN.
The National Weather Service has issued a rare three-day, level 4 of 4 flooding risk across the Mississippi Valley, with parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi at highest risk.
Flash flood warnings are in effect across five states from Texas to Kentucky, with flood alerts in at least 15 states and counting.
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Meteorologists warn the risk of “generational” flooding stems from a stalled weather pattern causing repeated storms over the same regions. The system is expected to shift eastward by Sunday, reducing the flood threat in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky by the afternoon.
In Tennessee, where five deaths have been confirmed, a tornado hit the town of Selmer on Wednesday.
“Most people took shelter in their laundry rooms,” said resident Justin West, who described the front of his new apartment complex as “almost gone.”
In Nashville, tornado sirens were activated so frequently that their loudspeakers temporarily lost power on Thursday.
In Missouri, a tornado tore through the town of Pilot Grove, destroying homes and vehicles.
“I got a tornado warning alert on my phone and came home as soon as I could,” said Justin Gerke, who found his childhood home heavily damaged.
Further south in Nevada, Missouri, a former motel housing about 50 welding students at the Missouri Welding Institute was severely damaged.
“This is our heart and soul,” said Shari Snyder, who runs the family-owned property.
Texas also reported storm damage, including one injury and structural destruction in Wood County.
The National Weather Service has given preliminary ratings to at least 31 tornadoes across eight states since Wednesday, including three rated EF3.
More assessments are expected, though some are delayed due to ongoing hazardous conditions.
