South Flooded as Rivers Surge After Deadly Storms, Historic Rainfall/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Catastrophic flooding has overtaken parts of the U.S. South after days of intense rainfall, killing at least 18 people. Rivers surged to near-record levels, submerging towns across Kentucky, Tennessee, and neighboring states. Emergency evacuations are underway as more rain is forecast and infrastructure remains at risk.
U.S. South Faces Historic Flooding: Quick Looks
- At least 18 people have died across five states since Wednesday.
- Major rivers near record crests, flooding towns in Kentucky and Tennessee.
- Evacuations issued in Falmouth, Butler, and other threatened communities.
- Kentucky’s capital, Frankfort, braces as the Kentucky River surges.
- A 9-year-old boy and a 5-year-old child among the victims.
- Over 5 inches of rain fell in a single day in Arkansas.
- Memphis saw more than 14 inches of rain over five days.
- Utilities cut gas and electricity in flooded areas to prevent disasters.
- Trump-era cuts to weather service staffing blamed for response gaps.
South Flooded as Rivers Surge After Deadly Storms, Historic Rainfall
Deep Look
Floodwaters Inundate U.S. South After Days of Torrential Rain
The southern United States is reeling from catastrophic floods triggered by relentless storms that have pounded the region for days. With major rivers overflowing their banks and submerging entire towns, at least 18 lives have been lost as communities scramble to evacuate and protect what they can from rising waters.
The flooding has hit hardest in parts of Kentucky and Tennessee, where saturated ground has given way to rivers cresting at near-record levels. In Frankfort, Kentucky, the state capital, the surging Kentucky River forced officials to shut down utilities and reroute traffic. Business owners like Jessica Tuggle watched anxiously as brown, debris-filled water crept closer to their storefronts.
“I think everybody was shocked at how quick the river actually came up,” said Tuggle, who owns a salon near the riverbanks. She packed up her business over the weekend, moving chairs, products, and equipment to higher ground in hopes of salvaging what she could.
For residents like Wendy Quire, general manager of the Brown Barrel restaurant in downtown Frankfort, the endless rain has brought a deep sense of unease. “As long as I’ve been alive — and I’m 52 — this is the worst I’ve ever seen it,” she said. “It’s been nonstop for days and days.”
As Monday began, fears grew that the worst had not yet arrived. Emergency responders in inflatable boats patrolled flooded neighborhoods, checking on those who had stayed behind. Power and gas lines were shut down in several areas, stretching from Texas to Ohio, to prevent fires and other hazards as water levels continued to rise.
The loss of life has been sobering. Tennessee reported 10 deaths, including several from swift water and storm-related incidents. A 9-year-old Kentucky boy died after being swept away while trying to reach his school bus. In Arkansas, a 5-year-old was killed when a tree fell on his family’s home. Missouri authorities confirmed the death of a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter in a traffic accident during a rescue mission.
Flood warnings have been issued across multiple states. The National Weather Service (NWS) said dozens of rivers and streams were at “major flood stage,” meaning severe impacts to buildings, roads, and public infrastructure were expected or already underway.
In north-central Kentucky, officials ordered evacuations for the towns of Falmouth and Butler near the Licking River. These areas were devastated by flooding 30 years ago when the river reached a historic crest of 50 feet, killing five people and destroying 1,000 homes.
The meteorological conditions driving this weather pattern include unusually warm temperatures, unstable air masses, high winds, and heavy moisture transported from the Gulf of Mexico. Jonesboro, Arkansas, recorded over five inches of rainfall on Saturday alone — the highest April total in city history. Meanwhile, Memphis, Tennessee, received 14 inches of rain between Wednesday and Sunday.
In Rives, a small town in northwestern Tennessee with a population of 200, the Obion River spilled over and submerged nearly the entire community. Resident Domanic Scott returned to check on his father’s house, which stood inches from being engulfed.
“It’s the first house we’ve ever paid off,” Scott said. “Insurance won’t cover flood damage here because of how close we are to the river and the levees. So if we lose it, we’re kind of screwed.”
Tens of thousands of people across Tennessee have sought refuge in emergency shelters. In Dyersburg, already reeling from a tornado days earlier, families arrived with blankets, pillows, and essential supplies — some even salvaging spirits from their liquor cabinets before heading out.
In Frankfort, one local, Bill Jones, fled his home in a boat, loading it with boxes of prized bourbon bottles as floodwaters reached his window sills. “You’ve got to take what matters,” he said.
The human toll has been compounded by systemic issues. Staffing cuts at the National Weather Service under the Trump administration have left nearly half of its forecast offices with vacancy rates of around 20%, double the level of a decade ago. Critics argue this reduced capacity has hindered timely and precise flood warnings across vulnerable regions.
Forecasters say the coming days remain uncertain. While rainfall may ease temporarily, already swollen rivers will continue to pose risks as runoff compounds existing overflow. Emergency managers across the region are urging residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid driving through flooded areas.
“This isn’t over,” said a Kentucky emergency official. “We’re dealing with a slow-moving disaster, and every hour counts.”
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