A powerful wave of deadly tornados and severe storms has devastated parts of the Midwest and South. Although the worst of the weather may be over, the danger continues as swollen rivers rise and force mass evacuations.
Lives Lost Across Seven States
At least 25 people have died in the storms, which impacted Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Kentucky. Flooding and tornados caused most of the fatalities. Officials are urging residents to remain alert even as the skies clear.
Massive Tornado in Arkansas Caught on Camera
A monstrous tornado was caught live by FOX Weather tracker Brandon Copic near Lake City, Arkansas. The tornado prompted the National Weather Service to issue a rare Tornado Emergency for surrounding areas, including Blytheville.
Trump Approves Emergency Declarations
President Donald Trump has approved disaster declarations for Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. This allows FEMA to step in and provide aid to struggling communities facing widespread destruction.
Kentucky Governor Warns Flood Threat Not Over
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear cautioned residents that dangers remain after
the deadly tornados. He stressed that floodwaters and saturated ground still pose serious threats. More than 500 roads in the state are closed due to mudslides, flooding, and landslides.
Famous Kentucky Distillery Swamped
Flooding has also impacted iconic landmarks. Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort is closed due to rising waters. Aerial footage showed the Kentucky River overflowing and surrounding the historic facility. The distillery announced closures through at least April 10.
Highways Submerged in Murky Waters
Dramatic drone footage from Glendale, Kentucky, shows highways underwater. The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office shared videos of roads completely submerged, with only guardrails visible above the floodwaters.
Tennessee Orders Evacuations as Waters Rise
Tennessee officials are now issuing mandatory evacuation orders. In Dyer County, Mayor David Quick called for evacuations east of Highway 78 due to overwhelming floodwaters. He warned residents that failure to leave could prevent emergency responders from helping.
Deadly Tornados: National Guard Delivers Emergency Supplies
Members of the Tennessee National Guard have joined relief efforts. On Monday, soldiers delivered hundreds of cases of essential supplies to flood-stricken communities. Recovery teams remain on high alert as waters continue to rise.
Meteorologists Warn of Ongoing Threat
Darone Jones of the National Weather Service in Memphis warned that communities aren’t in the clear. He noted that the historic rainfall from the weekend is only now beginning to show its full impact. Although the storms have passed, rising water levels continue to create hazards.
Ohio River Hits Record High in Cincinnati
In Ohio, the river crested at over 60 feet in Cincinnati, marking the highest level in nearly three decades. The surge has led to widespread flooding and additional evacuations across the region.
Communities Brace for More Trouble
While the storms may have ended, emergency officials say recovery is only beginning. The full scope of damage remains unknown, and water levels in many places are still rising. Roads, homes, and businesses remain at risk.
Meteorologists Call Event Historically Unique
Jones emphasized the scale of the disaster. He revealed that the National Weather Service issued 223 warnings in just four days. For comparison, the agency only issued 262 warnings in all of 2024. He added, “The worst is yet to come for a lot of areas.”
Floods and Tornados Leave Long Recovery Ahead
The recent deadly tornados and historic flooding have left a path of destruction that will take months to recover from. Officials urge people to stay cautious and follow safety orders. With rivers still rising, the threat is far from over.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
