Key Highlights:
Washington, D.C. | April 6, 2025 – A powerful storm system swept across the southern and midwestern United States over the weekend, triggering US tornadoes and floods that have so far left at least 16 people dead, swamped hundreds of roadways, disrupted air travel, and prompted ongoing flood warnings.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple tornado and flash flood warnings across Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas, where torrential rainfall and high winds have caused widespread devastation. Meteorologists warn that rivers across the region will continue to rise, posing prolonged flood threats well into the coming week.
Tennessee and Kentucky Bear the Brunt of Weather-Related Deaths
Of the 16 fatalities reported since the storms began, 10 occurred in Tennessee, underscoring the severity of the damage in the Volunteer State. Kentucky recorded two flood-related deaths, including a 9-year-old boy swept away while heading to school and a 74-year-old man found in a submerged vehicle.
Other reported fatalities include:
- A 57-year-old man in West Plains, Missouri, whose vehicle was washed off the road on Friday night.
- A 5-year-old child in Little Rock, Arkansas, who died in a weather-related incident on Saturday.
The National Weather Service has warned of “major flood stage” levels in dozens of locations, indicating likely inundation of infrastructure, roads, homes, and bridges.
Tornadoes Level Communities, Triggering Evacuations and Emergencies
Tornado activity earlier in the week is responsible for at least seven of the total fatalities, according to emergency officials. Entire neighborhoods in Arkansas and Tennessee have been flattened or severely damaged.
In Dyersburg, Tennessee, storm shelters filled rapidly over the weekend as residents fled oncoming tornadoes. Survivors like 77-year-old George Manns rushed to shelters with essentials, fearing the destruction of their homes.
“I grabbed all my stuff and came here… I don’t leave them in my apartment in case my apartment is destroyed,” Manns said.
Louisville and Falmouth Face Historic Flood Threats
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the Ohio River rose by 5 feet in 24 hours, and the city could experience one of its top 10 flood events in recorded history.
In Falmouth, Kentucky, emergency crews issued mandatory evacuation orders for the entire town of 2,000 residents due to the rising Licking River, which recalls the catastrophic 1997 floods that killed five and destroyed over 1,000 homes.
Transportation Disrupted as Flooding Damages Rail and Flights
Severe weather has also crippled transportation across the region:
- 521 flights cancelled, over 6,400 delayed within or into/out of the U.S. on Saturday alone (FlightAware).
- A railroad bridge in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, was washed out, causing a train derailment. No injuries were reported.
Shipping experts warn that cargo routes through Louisville and Memphis may face major delays, affecting supply chains across the Midwest and South.
Why the Weather Turned Violent: Meteorologists Explain
Forecasters attribute the extreme weather to a mix of factors:
- Unstable atmosphere
- High wind shear
- Warm spring temperatures
- Moisture flow from the Gulf of Mexico
More than 12 inches of rain have fallen in parts of Kentucky, and 8 inches in regions of Arkansas and Missouri since Wednesday. A tornado in Blytheville, Arkansas, sent debris 25,000 feet into the air, the NWS confirmed.
Flash Flood Alerts and Tornado Warnings Persist
As of Sunday morning, new warnings remain in effect:
- All of eastern Kentucky remains under a flood watch.
- Flash flood and tornado alerts continue in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
- Hundreds of roads in Kentucky are impassable due to floodwaters, fallen trees, and landslides.
In Hopkinsville, Kentucky, floodwaters from the Little River began to recede Saturday morning, allowing limited reopening of downtown areas. However, Mayor James R. Knight Jr. warned that more rainfall is expected.
“We got a little rain, but most of it went north of us. Thank goodness. Gave us a little break,” he said.
Rising Rivers, Rising Concerns
The deadly combination of US tornadoes and floods continues to threaten lives, infrastructure, and transportation across the South and Midwest. With more rain forecast and major flood stage yet to peak in several regions, emergency services are on high alert.
The disaster also exposes vulnerabilities in the nation’s weather response infrastructure, with nearly half of NWS forecast offices facing 20% staffing vacancies, double that of a decade ago.
Officials are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, avoid non-essential travel, and stay updated with local alerts as the storm system moves eastward.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald