16 Dead as Flooding and Tornadoes Sweep Across Texas to Ohio

Heavy rainfall has rapidly swollen waterways, triggering flash flood emergencies from Texas to Ohio. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicted that dozens of locations across multiple states could reach "major flood stage," leading to extensive flooding of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and homes.

At least 16 deaths have been attributed to the weather, with 10 fatalities reported in Tennessee. In Missouri, a 57-year-old man died after his car was washed off the road. Kentucky witnessed two deaths: a 9-year-old boy swept away on his way to school, and a 74-year-old found dead in a submerged vehicle. A 5-year-old child also died in Little Rock, Arkansas, in a weather-related incident.

Earlier this week, tornadoes destroyed entire neighborhoods, contributing to at least seven of the storm-related deaths. The severe weather has also impacted interstate commerce, especially in major cargo hubs like Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, potentially causing significant delays in shipping and supply chains.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg reported that the Ohio River rose 5 feet in just 24 hours and would continue to rise for several days, making this one of the top 10 flooding events in the city's history. Flash flood and tornado warnings were still in effect for parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky on Saturday, with heavy rains and damaging winds expected to persist.

In Kentucky, hundreds of roads were closed due to floodwaters, fallen trees, and mudslides. Emergency officials issued a mandatory evacuation for Falmouth, a town near the rising Licking River. Arkansas weather officials urged residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary due to widespread flooding.

BNSF Railway reported that floodwaters had washed out a bridge in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, derailing several cars. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but it remains unclear when the bridge will reopen.

Since Wednesday, more than a foot of rain has fallen in parts of Kentucky, while Arkansas and Missouri have seen over 8 inches. Forecasters attribute the severe weather to a combination of warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear, and abundant moisture from the Gulf.

Tornadoes were also reported Friday evening in Missouri and Arkansas, with one near Blytheville, Arkansas, sending debris over 25,000 feet into the air. The state's emergency management office confirmed damage in 22 counties from tornadoes, wind, hail, and flooding.

In Dyersburg, Tennessee, dozens of people sought shelter at a local school, including 77-year-old George Manns, who had just experienced a tornado in his apartment complex. Manns, carrying essential items like medications and electronics, said he didn't want to take any chances in case his apartment was destroyed.

The storm system continues to wreak havoc, and the severe weather is expected to persist across the region for several more days.