Severe Storms and Tornadoes Wreak Havoc in South and Midwest, Death Toll Rises to 16
Severe storms and tornadoes across the South and Midwest have led to 16 confirmed deaths, raising concerns about ongoing flooding and further tornado warnings.
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The severe weather hit at a time when nearly half the National Weather Service's forecast offices have 20% vacancy rates — twice that of a decade ago — according to data obtained by The Associated Press.
U.S. Weather: Severe Storms, Flash Floods Devastate Areas
TIME Magazine·14d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.The prolonged deluge, which could dump more than a foot (30 centimeters) of rain over a four-day period, is an event that happens once in a generation to once in a lifetime.
What to know about the severe storms and flash flooding hitting parts of the US
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Saturday was expected to the final day of a multi-day high impact flood event that has wreaked havoc across portions of the Lower and Mid-Mississippi River Valley, which remains under a high risk for flooding.
12 dead as significant severe weather, flash flooding tear through parts of US
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Day after day of heavy rains have pounded the central U.S., rapidly swelling waterways and prompting a series of flash flood emergencies in from Texas to Ohio.
At least 16 dead in flooding and tornadoes as storms slash from Texas to Ohio
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Such extreme flooding across states serving as major cargo hubs will dramatically impact interstate commerce and lead to shipping and supply chain delays.
At least 16 dead as storms touch off tornadoes and widespread flooding in central US
CNN·14d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.The outburst comes at a time when nearly half of NWS forecast offices have 20% vacancy rates after Trump administration job cuts — twice that of just a decade ago.
At Least 16 Dead in Flooding and Tornadoes as Storms Slash from Texas to Ohio
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Severe weather, including a "life-threatening, catastrophic, and potentially historic" flash flooding event will continue to impact the lower Ohio Valley through to the Ark-La-Tex region (where Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas join together) on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
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It has been a punishing week of weather for the region.
Flooding sweeps away 9-year-old as storms slam central US
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Yet worst of it was expected Saturday afternoon and evening in Hopkinsville, where predictions of another 3-4 inches of rain had people filling more sandbags to hold back another potential surge of floodwaters, Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam said Saturday.
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The outburst comes at a time when nearly half of NWS forecast offices have 20% vacancy rates after Trump administration job cuts — twice that of just a decade ago.
More torrential rain and flash flooding are expected in waterlogged South and Midwest
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Summary
A devastating storm system has resulted in at least 16 weather-related deaths across the South and Midwest. As severe weather continues, excessive rainfall and rising river levels prompt new warnings and road closures. Kentucky alone has over 500 roads shut down, with floodwaters impacting infrastructure. The destruction from earlier tornadoes has been extensive, with significant damage reported particularly in Tennessee and Arkansas. Areas are bracing for additional severe weather, with forecast models predicting more than a foot of rain, leading authorities to warn of potential historic flooding. Flights are delayed, and weather agencies face staffing challenges.
Perspectives
Severe storms and torrential rain have caused flash flood emergencies across multiple states, resulting in significant property damage and loss of life, including the tragic death of 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews in Kentucky.
The National Weather Service has reported that many waterways and rivers are reaching major flood stages, impacting infrastructure and prompting precautionary measures in affected areas. Furthermore, severe thunderstorms are expected to persist across a wide region, raising concerns about additional flooding events.
The extreme weather patterns are attributed to a combination of environmental factors such as warm temperatures and unstable atmospheric conditions, exacerbated by staffing shortages in meteorological services that hinder effective communication of weather threats.
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