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Kentucky Floods Turn Deadly: Catastrophic Impacts Spread Across Region
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Deadly Flash
Flooding Hits Kentucky and Surrounding States
A catastrophic flash flooding event unfolded over the weekend in parts
of four states, leaving a trail of destruction and death in its wake. The
flooding was particularly severe in western and northern Tennessee, southern
Kentucky, and near the West Virginia-Virginia border.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency as the
flooding turned deadly. "We need all Kentuckians to remain alert,"
Beshear warned. "There are over 300 road closures, and the statewide
impact is historic."
The National Weather Service issued a Level 4 flash flood threat rating,
the highest level, for parts of northwestern Tennessee and southwestern
Kentucky. This rating indicates an extreme threat to life and property.
The flooding was caused by a powerful storm system that produced several
threats across the eastern half of the US. Rainfall reports climbed to over 5-8
inches during the first half of the weekend, with more rain still to come.
The threats had been significant enough before the storm that
precautionary evacuations were ordered along some rivers and streams in the
Tennessee Valley. A nursing home in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, was
evacuated out of an abundance of caution.
The relentless rain also led to reports of mudslides and rockslides over
the weekend. In Dawson Springs, Kentucky, a mudslide sent large boulders
crashing down on Interstate 69.
Police in Pikeville, Kentucky, reported that the downtown area of the
city was inaccessible due to flooding. "The river has now covered all
lanes of travel in that area and is too deep for vehicles," police said.
The flooding also led to multiple fatalities. A 73-year-old man was
found dead in Clay County, Kentucky, after reportedly getting knocked off his
feet by rushing water while exiting his vehicle.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency for the
commonwealth before the weather. On Saturday night, he requested an emergency
disaster declaration from President Donald Trump, which was approved early
Sunday morning.
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center issued a Level 4 flash flood threat
rating for parts of northwestern Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky. Several
rare Flash Flood Emergencies were issued by the NWS office in Charleston, West
Virginia.
Catastrophic flooding was reported in communities such as Hurley and
Grundy, Virginia. Several rockslides were reported, and Virginia Governor Glenn
Youngkin deployed the National Guard to the area.
A Level 4 out of 4 high-risk flood threat is issued on about 4% of days,
but this risk category accounts for 39% of flood-related fatalities and 83% of
flood-related damage in the continental US.
The flooding also led to widespread power outages, with over 10,000
households left without electricity. Utility crews are working to restore
power, but officials warn that it may take several days to complete the task.
The economic impact of the flooding is also expected to be significant,
with estimates suggesting that the damage could run into millions of dollars.
As the people of Kentucky and surrounding states begin to recover from
this devastating flood event, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant
and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Original article source: Flooding turns deadly in Kentucky as
catastrophic impacts unfold from Tennessee Valley to Appalachians