The U.S. is facing a severe weather crisis. North and South are under attack from powerful storms. In the South, deadly floods and tornadoes wreak havoc. Meanwhile, the North braces for a monster snowstorm.
Deadly floods in the South
In Kentucky, flash floods are causing chaos. Roads are submerged, and vehicles are trapped. A 73-year-old man, Donald Keith Nicholson, lost his life in Clay County. His car stalled, and he was swept away by the floodwaters. His body was later found, floating in the flooded streets.
Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in Kentucky. The storms are expected to continue until Sunday. Parts of Bowling Green are seeing roads under water. In western Kentucky, up to 8 inches of rain could fall. Beshear has also requested federal aid from the White House.
Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday afternoon at least eight Kentuckians have died since severe weather hit the state Saturday.
“We believe this number is going to grow,” Beshear said at a press conference. “We hope it doesn’t grow quickly or grow much larger but one way you can help us out to ensure we have as few fatalities as possible is don’t get on the roadways. Give time for the water to go down. So many of these fatalities were due to attempts to drive through water and through moving water.”
Chaos across the region
Social media is flooded with dramatic images of floodwaters raging through Kentucky. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to save stranded residents. The Simpson County Office of Emergency Management urged everyone to stay off the roads.
Virginia has seen mudslides block roads. Tennessee and Arkansas are facing similar issues, with flood warnings in effect. Meanwhile, Southern California is recovering from the year’s strongest storm, but rock and mudslides remain a threat due to wildfire-scarred hillsides.
State of emergency declared
Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia declared a state of emergency. Ten counties in the state are under crisis due to heavy rains and flooding. Residents are advised to stay prepared. Tornadoes are also a major concern.
Tornado watches have been issued for parts of Mississippi Valley. Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas are at risk of dangerous tornadoes. These twisters could cause serious damage as thunderstorms roll through.
A deadly snowstorm hits the North
While the South is drowning, the North is about to face a different kind of disaster. A massive snowstorm is heading for the Northeast. Heavy snow and strong winds are expected to hit Michigan, Vermont, New York, and Maine. In some areas, double-digit snow totals could accumulate.
Around 70 million people are under winter weather alerts. The National Weather Service warns of significant ice accumulation. Ice could cause power outages and dangerous driving conditions. Freezing rain is expected to affect the Northeast, especially in areas prone to power failures.
Arctic cold spreads South
Arctic weather is intensifying. The coldest polar vortex of the season is on its way. Meteorologists predict that the northern Rockies and Plains will bear the brunt.
The cold air, usually confined to the North Pole, is pushing down into the U.S. and Europe. In some regions, wind chills will dip as low as -60°F. Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota will experience extreme cold. Residents are urged to stay indoors and protect livestock.
Cold winds and more snow
By early next week, the snow and rain will move eastward. But cold winds will continue to dominate the weather. Much of the eastern U.S. will remain frigid.
Wind alerts are in place for 76 million people. Areas like Florida, New York City, Washington D.C., and Boston are in the storm’s path. Wind speeds could reach 40 to 60 mph, causing serious disruptions.
From deadly floods in the South to a brutal snowstorm in the North, the U.S. is facing a catastrophic weather event. The next few days will bring even more chaos. The storms are not over yet. Stay safe and stay prepared.
