At least eight people killed, thousands evacuated, and historic flooding reported as severe storms batter Kentucky and neighboring states.
Kentucky [US], February 17:
A powerful storm has wreaked havoc across Kentucky, causing catastrophic flooding that has left at least eight people dead and forced mass evacuations, Governor Andy Beshear announced on Sunday. One fatality was also reported in Georgia, bringing the total death toll to nine, CNN reported.
Emergency responders have been engaged in an intense search and rescue operation, saving over 1,000 people in the past 24 hours alone. Governor Beshear called the storm “one of the most serious weather events we’ve dealt with in at least a decade.”
Historic Flooding and Widespread Destruction
The storm system caused record-high water levels, flooding roads, businesses, and homes across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Video footage from multiple states showed submerged vehicles, toppled trees, and communities underwater as authorities scrambled to rescue stranded residents.
“We need Kentuckians to remain alert. There are more than 300 road closures, and @KYTC leaders are calling the statewide impact historic. From mudslides in the east to snow in the west, the situation is dangerous. Please plan ahead, avoid travel, and stay safe, Kentucky,” Governor Beshear posted on X.
Beshear confirmed that among the fatalities was at least one child and warned that the death toll could rise further. He urged residents to stay off the roads, revealing that several of the deaths resulted from vehicle accidents caused by rising floodwaters.
Emergency Response and Federal Aid
- State of Emergency: Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency in Kentucky on Friday, ahead of the storm.
- Federal Disaster Aid: US President Donald Trump approved a federal disaster declaration, making federal relief funds available for affected regions.
- National Guard Deployment: 146 soldiers and airmen from the Kentucky National Guard have been deployed to assist rescue operations.
- FEMA On Site: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been deployed to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts.
Severe Impact Across Multiple States
The storm has disrupted daily life in several states, with hundreds of thousands left without power:
- Georgia: 108,000+ power outages
- Alabama: 75,700+ power outages
- West Virginia: 61,600+ power outages
- Virginia: 61,500+ power outages
- Kentucky: 29,600+ power outages
(Source: PowerOutage.us)
Meanwhile, water systems in Kentucky have been severely affected, with 9,800 service connections cut off and 21,000 residents under boil water advisories. A nursing home in Kentucky had to evacuate 100 residents to a local church.
Tragic Losses and Heroic Rescues
- In Manchester, Kentucky, a 73-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters on Saturday night while driving on Kentucky Highway 8.
- Two more people died in Hart County, Kentucky, after their vehicle was submerged in flash floods.
- In Atlanta, Georgia, a resident was killed when a tree collapsed on their home amid heavy storms.
Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, citing “significant damage that is affecting community lifelines.”
The Storm’s Aftermath and Future Forecast
The storm is expected to lose intensity by Monday, but its aftermath will leave lasting devastation.
- Parts of the Great Lakes region could see heavy snowfall in the coming days.
- Over 10 million Americans remain under winter storm warnings through Monday morning.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that floodwaters will take time to recede, and recovery efforts will require weeks or even months.
Tags:
Kentucky storm, US flooding, severe weather, natural disaster, storm damage, Kentucky floods, Andy Beshear, federal aid, storm fatalities, climate crisis, power outage, emergency response, US National Guard, FEMA, winter storm warning