At least nine people have lost their lives as severe winter storms continue to batter the United States, causing widespread chaos from flooding, heavy snowfall, and dangerously cold temperatures.
In Kentucky, eight people died, including a mother and her 7-year-old child, mostly due to cars getting stuck in high water. Governor Andy Beshear reported that hundreds of residents stranded by flooding had to be rescued, and over 1,000 rescues have been carried out since the storms began on Saturday.
“These are some of the worst conditions we’ve seen in years,” Governor Beshear said, warning that harsh winds could lead to further power outages after storms knocked out electricity to about 39,000 homes.
President Donald Trump approved Kentucky’s request for a disaster declaration, enabling federal assistance to support local relief efforts.
Heavy rainfall of up to 150 millimeters soaked parts of Kentucky and Tennessee, swelling creeks and rivers. The Kentucky River Medical Center had to close its emergency department due to flooding.
Elsewhere, severe weather caused destruction and disruption. In Alabama, a tornado touched down in Hale County, damaging homes, downing trees, and toppling power lines. In Tennessee, a state of emergency was declared in Obion County after a levee failure flooded the small community of Rives.
Dangerously cold temperatures, with wind chills as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius, gripped North Dakota and surrounding states under an extreme cold warning. The National Weather Service predicted life-threatening conditions as the region faces its coldest polar vortex event this season.
Travel has become treacherous in many areas. Michigan State Police reported over 100 crashes around Detroit due to icy roads. In Colorado, authorities reported eight fatal vehicle crashes since Valentine’s Day, urging drivers to exercise caution.
Communities across the U.S. are bracing for more severe weather as meteorologists warn that the Arctic blast is far from over. The combination of heavy snow, flooding, and bitter cold is expected to continue into the week, posing significant challenges for emergency services and residents alike.
