At least eight people, including a child, have been killed due to catastrophic and historic flooding across portions of four states over the weekend.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said during a news conference Sunday that at least eight deaths have been connected to the devastating flooding. Fatalities have been reported in Clay, Hart, Nelson, Pike and Washington counties. Beshear added in a post on X: “We need Kentuckians to remain alert. There are more than 300 road closures, with @KYTC leaders saying the statewide impact is historic. From mudslides in the east to snow in the west, the situation is dangerous. Please plan ahead, avoid travel and stay safe, Kentucky.”
According to information provided by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, a vehicle with two people inside was swept off a roadway by floodwaters on Saturday night. One of the victims was a 7-year-old child, with the second victim yet to be located with a search underway. Another death occurred in Clay County, Kentucky, where the coroner’s office said a 73-year-old man was reportedly knocked off his feet by rushing floodwaters and was killed.
Officials in Tennessee are also urging residents of Rives to evacuate and seek higher ground immediately after a levee failed along the Obion River, leading to rapid-onset flooding in the town and surrounding areas. Multiple roads have been declared impassable in western and northern Tennessee, southern Kentucky and near the West Virginia-Virginia border, where rainfall reports climbed to over 5-8 inches during the first half of the weekend and more rain predicted. The National Weather Service office in Memphis said on X: “Water rescues are ongoing If you are in the area, GET TO HIGHER GROUND NOW! This is a LIFE THREATENING situation.”
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