Severe storms and flash floods are wreaking havoc across the central-eastern United States, claiming at least 16 lives, with more casualties feared as the storms continue. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for widespread, dangerous flooding in the coming days.
From Arkansas to Ohio, a line of violent storms has devastated communities, leaving behind a trail of destruction, including flooded roads, damaged buildings, and uprooted trees. The storms have also spawned multiple tornadoes, further intensifying the chaos.
Tennessee has been hit the hardest, with authorities confirming that 10 people have died in the western part of the state. In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear reported two fatalities, including a child swept away by floodwaters. In Little Rock, Arkansas, a five-year-old was found dead in a storm-related incident.
Across multiple states, residents are sharing harrowing images of overturned cars, power outages, and homes torn apart by the storm. Over 100,000 customers in Arkansas and Tennessee are currently without power, and recovery efforts are expected to take days.
With flash flooding expected to worsen over the weekend, officials are urging people to avoid travel and stay alert. The storms come amid growing concerns that climate change is fueling the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
As the storm rages on, meteorologists warn that more tornadoes and severe thunderstorms could form in the coming days, amplifying the already perilous situation.
