Here’s the breakdown of what you need to know:
- Record Rainfall: Some areas have seen up to 10 inches of rain since Wednesday, and more is on the way!
- Flash Flood Emergencies: Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas are facing the worst of it, with numerous water rescues underway.
- Kentucky Hit Hard: The downtown area of Hopkinsville is underwater, and a heartbreaking tragedy occurred when a young boy was swept away by floodwaters.
- Shipping Delays Possible: Major cargo hubs like Louisville and Memphis could see disruptions due to the extreme flooding.
- Tornado Aftermath: Many communities are still recovering from deadly tornadoes that tore through the region earlier this week.
Biblical Flooding: What’s Going On?
If you thought the weather was wildin’ out, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! Round after round of heavy rains have been pummeling the central U.S., causing rivers to swell faster than you can say “Noah’s Ark.” This has led to flash flood emergencies popping up left and right, especially in Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas.
Meanwhile, many communities are still picking up the pieces after those nasty tornadoes ripped through earlier this week, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least seven lives. Talk about a double whammy!
Kentucky Under Water: A State of Emergency
Poor Kentucky is getting it bad. In Frankfort, a 9-year-old boy was tragically swept away by floodwaters while walking to his school bus stop. Governor Andy Beshear shared the heartbreaking news on social media, saying that the boy’s body was found about a half-mile from where he went missing.
And if that wasn’t enough, the downtown area of Hopkinsville, a city with 31,000 residents, is completely submerged. Fire officials say they’ve had to rescue a dozen people from their homes and move dozens of pets to safety. One local business owner, Tony Kirves, said downtown looks like a lake!
Flash Flood Frenzy: Danger Zones
The National Weather Service is on high alert, issuing flash flood emergencies in at least seven cities across Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas. In Van Buren, Missouri, they’ve had to carry out at least 15 water rescues due to the heavy rainfall and the rapidly rising Current River.
Over in Texarkana, Texas, the police department is urging people to stay off the roads unless it’s a life-or-death situation. The streets are so flooded that several people have had to be rescued from their vehicles. Stay home and binge-watch Netflix, people!
Why is this happening?
Forecasters are blaming the wild weather on a mix of warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear, and tons of moisture coming in from the Gulf. It’s like a perfect storm (pun intended!) for severe weather.
Shipping Chaos: Supply Chain Woes?
Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, warns that the extreme flooding across major cargo hubs like Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis could lead to shipping and supply chain delays. So, if you’re waiting on that online order, you might have to wait a little longer.
Tornado Troubles: More on the Way?
As if the flooding wasn’t enough, there have been reports of observed tornadoes in Missouri and Arkansas. The weather service is urging people to take cover immediately! Earlier this week, seven people were killed in the initial wave of storms that spawned powerful tornadoes in Tennessee, Missouri, and Indiana.
What’s Next? Stay Tuned!
The South and Midwest are in for a wild ride. Keep an eye on the weather, follow the advice of local authorities, and stay safe out there! We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments as they unfold.
About The Author
