A powerful storm system brought heavy rains, flash flooding, tornadoes, and snowstorms across the Southeastern and Eastern U.S., leaving at least 10 people dead and causing widespread damage. The extreme weather event also triggered a frigid polar vortex in the Midwest and Upper Plains, with dangerous cold temperatures expected in the coming days.
Kentucky Hit Hardest by Flooding and Storms
Kentucky faced the highest death toll, with at least nine fatalities, including a mother and her 7-year-old child who drowned in a submerged car. Governor Andy Beshear warned that the number could rise.
“Stay off the roads and stay alive,” Beshear urged residents. “This is the search and rescue phase.”
Impact in Kentucky:
- 1,000 rescues conducted since Saturday.
- 39,000 homes without power, with strong winds threatening more outages.
- Flash flooding submerged cars, homes, and buildings.
- A 73-year-old man was found dead in floodwaters in Clay County.
- In Hart County, a juvenile died, and a second person was missing due to flooding.
The Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson closed its emergency department, transferring all patients to other hospitals.
Flash Flooding and Tornadoes Impact Multiple States
Flash flooding and storms affected Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Arkansas, and West Virginia, with emergency declarations issued in multiple states.
Flooding and Road Closures
- Virginia and Tennessee: Mudslides blocked roads.
- West Virginia: Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 counties.
- Western Kentucky: Up to 8 inches of rain fell, forcing evacuations.
Tornado Outbreak in the Mississippi Valley
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed multiple tornadoes across the region:
- 4 tornadoes in Mississippi.
- 3 tornadoes in Alabama.
- 1 tornado in Louisiana.
Mississippi officials reported two injuries and damage to 53 homes and six businesses from last week’s storms.
Winter Storms and Polar Vortex Bring Dangerous Cold
The Northeast is experiencing heavy snow, with forecasts of over a foot of accumulation in upstate New York and northern New England.
Winter Weather Alerts:
- New York City suburbs: 3-7 inches of snow followed by freezing rain.
- New England: Ice accumulations up to a quarter inch, causing downed trees and power outages.
- Midwest and Upper Plains:
- Frigid temperatures: Wind chills as low as -60°F in parts of Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
- Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin: 4 inches of snow expected.
- Denver: Temperatures dipping to 14°F, with city shelters opening for the homeless.
Meteorologists warn that this is the 10th and coldest polar vortex event of the season.
California Faces Mudslide Risks After Torrential Rain
While dry weather has returned, Southern California remains at risk of mudslides after a strong winter storm.
California Impact:
- Sierra Madre: Debris and boulders damaged homes and trapped vehicles.
- Sierra Nevada Mountains:
- 6 feet of snow fell in just 36 hours.
- Two ski patrol workers were caught in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain, with one suffering serious injuries.
This historic storm system has caused deadly flooding, tornadoes, snowstorms, and record-breaking cold temperatures. With search and rescue operations ongoing, officials are urging residents to stay off roads, prepare for extended power outages, and take shelter.
As the nation battles the extreme weather, the focus shifts to emergency response efforts and the long recovery ahead.