A relentless barrage of storms has unleashed catastrophic flooding across the South and Midwest, leaving at least 16 dead and prompting emergency declarations as rivers surge and entire communities brace for further devastation.
A new wave of torrential rain and flash flooding struck the South and Midwest on Saturday, compounding the devastation in regions already saturated by days of severe storms and deadly tornadoes. Meteorologists warned that river levels across several states are expected to continue rising in the days ahead.
Relentless rainfall has battered the central United States, rapidly inflating waterways and prompting a series of flash flood emergencies from Texas to Ohio. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that dozens of locations across multiple states are projected to reach what it classifies as “major flood stage,” potentially resulting in widespread damage to homes, roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure.
Since the storms began, at least 16 weather-related fatalities have been confirmed, including 10 in Tennessee. In Missouri, a 57-year-old man lost his life Friday evening after exiting a vehicle that had been swept off a roadway in West Plains. In Kentucky, two people died due to flooding — a 9-year-old boy who was swept away on his way to school and a 74-year-old found deceased inside a submerged vehicle in Nelson County. In Arkansas, police confirmed that a 5-year-old child died Saturday at a home in Little Rock in a weather-related incident, though further details have not been released.
Tornadoes earlier in the week devastated entire neighborhoods and accounted for at least seven of the deaths.
The extreme flooding is also disrupting interstate commerce, particularly in a corridor encompassing major cargo hubs in Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee. According to Jonathan Porter, Chief Meteorologist at AccuWeather, these disruptions may lead to delays in shipping and broader supply chain impacts.
The crisis comes at a challenging time for the National Weather Service, where nearly half of its forecast offices are operating with a 20% vacancy rate—double the level seen just a decade ago—largely due to staffing cuts made during the Trump administration.
In Louisville, Mayor Craig Greenberg reported that the Ohio River surged five feet (approximately 1.5 meters) within 24 hours and is expected to continue rising in the coming days.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet in Kyiv on Saturday, as Europe weighs its long-term security role in Ukraine's future.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on one Chinese firm and three Iranian companies, as outlined in a presidential decree issued Friday.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said Switzerland and the U.S. have agreed to accelarate trade talks.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Ukraine's security service says it has detained two alleged Hungarian spies accused of gathering military intelligence in the Zakarpattia region, near the shared border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet in Kyiv on Saturday, as Europe weighs its long-term security role in Ukraine's future.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on one Chinese firm and three Iranian companies, as outlined in a presidential decree issued Friday.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Ukraine's security service says it has detained two alleged Hungarian spies accused of gathering military intelligence in the Zakarpattia region, near the shared border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet in Kyiv on Saturday, as Europe weighs its long-term security role in Ukraine's future.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on one Chinese firm and three Iranian companies, as outlined in a presidential decree issued Friday.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said “you cannot spy against an ally” following reports that the U.S. has increased intelligence efforts in Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Iran has agreed to hold a fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday in Oman.
Ukraine's security service says it has detained two alleged Hungarian spies accused of gathering military intelligence in the Zakarpattia region, near the shared border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that leaders of the "coalition of the willing" will meet in Kyiv on Saturday, as Europe weighs its long-term security role in Ukraine's future.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on one Chinese firm and three Iranian companies, as outlined in a presidential decree issued Friday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment