- A wave of severe storms devastated the South and Midwest, killing at least 20 people and causing widespread flooding and evacuations. The storms brought heavy rainfall, with Memphis recording 14 inches of rain since Wednesday, April 2.
- Emergency crews have conducted search and rescue operations in hard-hit regions.
- The storms have highlighted communities’ vulnerability to heavy rainfall and flood risks.
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A wave of severe storms that began on Wednesday, April 2, has resulted in at least 20 deaths across seven states, bringing tornadoes, flash flooding and widespread damage from Texas to Ohio.
The storm system left towns underwater, forced evacuations and overwhelmed infrastructure across the South and Midwest.
Where have fatalities occurred?
Tennessee and Kentucky were among the hardest-hit states. Officials reported at least 10 deaths in Tennessee alone.
In Kentucky, a 9-year-old boy died after floodwaters swept him away while walking to his school bus.
A 5-year-old boy in Arkansas died after a tree fell on his family’s home.
In Missouri, a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter died in a crash while trying to assist storm victims.
What’s the situation in Kentucky?
In downtown Frankfort, floodwaters from the Kentucky River submerged roads and neighborhoods, forcing search and rescue crews to use inflatable boats.
Officials turned off gas and electricity in flood zones and built sandbag barriers to protect homes and businesses.
Mayor Layne Wilkerson said the river had reached more than 47 feet and that experts expected it to crest at over 49 feet — approaching the 51-foot flood wall limit. Some residents described the flooding as the worst in decades.
Further north, officials ordered mandatory evacuations in Falmouth and Butler, towns along the rising Licking River. The area has a history of catastrophic flooding, including a deadly 50-foot crest 30 years ago that destroyed 1,000 homes.
What other areas has the storm impacted?
Memphis, Tennessee, received 14 inches of rain in four days, while West Memphis, Arkansas, recorded 10 inches.
The Obion River overflowed in Rives, Tennessee, flooding a town already hit hard by floodwaters in February.
Many residents lacked flood insurance due to their proximity to the levees.
Air travel also suffered major disruptions. The storms delayed more than 6,400 U.S. flights and canceled over 500 flights on Saturday, April 5. Additional delays continued into Sunday, April 6, according to FlightAware.
Are more storms coming?
Forecasters expect continued flooding as saturated ground and Gulf moisture fuel unstable weather.
Tornado watches were in effect Sunday, April 6, across Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
The National Weather Service reported that dozens of locations across multiple states could reach “major flood stage,” with risks to structures, roads and critical infrastructure.
What’s driving the pattern?
Warm temperatures, high winds and heavy atmospheric moisture contributed to the outbreak.
Climate Central, a nonprofit research group, said areas like the Midwest and Ohio River Valley are increasingly vulnerable to flooding as climate patterns shift.
How has the federal response been impacted?
Amid the ongoing storm response, the National Weather Service continues to operate with staffing shortages. Budget cuts under the Trump administration have left nearly half of forecast offices understaffed, with vacancy rates around 20%, about double what they were a decade ago.