Large rainfall and flash flood struck the South and Midwest on Saturday, affecting parts now saturated from previous severe winds and hurricanes, bringing the death toll to 16 and causing extensive damage to equipment.
Constant downpours across the northern United States have led to rapid waters level increases and various flash flood situations from Texas to Ohio. The National Weather Service predicted several locations across several states would achieve “major flood stage”, possibly causing considerable damage to infrastructure.
Since Wednesday, rainfall exceeded 12 inches ( 30.5 centimetres ) in parts of Kentucky and 8 inches ( 20 centimetres ) in Arkansas and Missouri regions. Climate experts attributed the conditions to hot temperatures, atmospheric volatility, wind shear and Gulf dampness.
In Louisville, Mayor Craig Greenberg reported the Ohio River rose 5 feet ( about 1.5 metres ) within 24 hours. Flash storm warnings persisted across Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. Kentucky faced popular street closures due to floods and dust.
Hopkinsville, Kentucky, experienced momentary relief as waters receded. Falmouth, a city of 2, 000 people, faced required removal due to the rising Licking River. Arkansas authorities urged people to reduce traveling, while BNSF Railway reported a gate washout in Mammoth Spring.
The death toll from weather-related occurrences has reached 16, including 10 in Tennessee. In Missouri, a 57-year-old male perished after exiting a car swept off the road. Kentucky reported two fatalities: a 9-year-old son and a 74-year-old man found in a covered automobile. In Little Rock, Arkansas, a 5-year-old died in a weather-related affair. Earlier tornadoes caused seven mortality and destroyed towns.
According to AccuWeather’s chief scientist Jonathan Porter, the broad flood near major goods centres in Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis may destroy delivery operations.
Nearly half of NWS estimates practices now face 20 % position costs following Trump presidency cuts, twice the price from ten years ago.
Experts indicated that river levels would continue to rise for several days.
