Life-threatening flash flooding escalated across the South and Ohio Valley this weekend, as extreme rainfall triggered a “generational” event. At least 16 people have died as a result of the days-long outbreak of destructive weather.
Ten deaths have been confirmed in Tennessee alone, as well as two in Kentucky and two in Missouri. Arkansas and Indiana each reported one death. With the weather still unfolding, officials are bracing for more casualties.
In Arkansas, flooding ripped apart a railroad bridge causing a train to derail and tumble into the rising river below.
In Kentucky, hundreds of roads have been closed due to rising floodwaters, mudslides, and rockslides, leaving many communities cut off from vital services. Officials are urging residents to avoid travel unless evacuating.
A tornado was confirmed Saturday evening in northern Mississippi, east of Oxford. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.
The storms are not showing signs of letting up. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in multiple areas as swollen rivers and saturated ground continue to pose an overwhelming threat. Emergency response teams are stretched thin, working in dangerous conditions to rescue stranded residents.
The situation is compounded by the possibility of more tornadoes, which have already devastated parts of the region, and the ongoing threat of damaging winds and hail.
See the latest forecast here.
This fast-moving, multi-faceted storm system is set to continue causing havoc across the region. The National Weather Service has issued urgent warnings for residents in the path of the storms to take immediate shelter and stay updated on emergency alerts.
Here’s a look at our live updates as the situation unfolded:
(07:28 p.m. EDT) More Than 250,000 Without Power In 5 States
More than 255,000 customers are without power in Arkansas, Tennessee, Michigan, Texas and Mississippi according to PowerOutage.us. Here’s a breakdown of the outages:
Arkansas: 99,469 outages
Tennessee: 70,797 outages
Michigan: 53,544 outages
Texas: 26,063 outages
Mississippi: 5,508 outages
(07:01 p.m. EDT) Stunning Rainfall Totals From Mid-South To Ohio Valley
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center released updated rainfall totals from this multi-day storm event, and these totals are expected to increase in many areas as the rain continues and rivers crest throughout the weekend:
Mayfield, Kentucky: 13.4 inches
Symsonia, Kentucky: 12.34 inches
D.B. Florence Memorial Field, Arkansas: 8.39 inches
Cape Girardeau, Missouri: 8.07 inches
Memphis, Tennessee: 6.91 inches
(06:35 p.m. EDT) Multiple Trees Down Across I-40 In Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has sent out crews to Interstate 40 near mile marker 141-143, where there are reports of 6 to 8 trees down across the interstate. Flooding shut down a portion of I-40 in Memphis at Danny Thomas Boulevard.
(06:15 p.m. EDT) Drivers Stop Under Overpass Amid Trifecta Of Warnings For Nashville
Drivers in west Nashville stopped under the overpass over Briley Parkway as the Nashville metro area faced simultaneous warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash flooding. An observed tornado was reported near White House and Portland, Tennessee, about 25-30 miles north-northeast of Nashville.
(06:05 p.m. EDT) What We’re Watching Now
From weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Belles:
A broken line of severe thunderstorms currently stretches from Kentucky to southeast Texas, but is finally on the move eastward through the South. The threat of flooding, both from the sky in the form of rainfall and from rivers, will be elevated overnight and could linger in some communities in the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys for days. This line of thunderstorms will gradually weaken over the next day or two as it advances eastward toward Georgia and the Carolinas. The atmospheric lollygagging is breaking down and conditions across the entire eastern U.S. will improve over the next few days.
(05:43 p.m. EDT) ‘Life-Threatening’ Flooding In Ohio
Within the last hour, the Shawnee County Fire Department has responded to multiple calls for water rescues near Preble County Line Rd. They’re urging drivers not to ignore road closure signs, adding that the flooding in this area has created a “life threatening situation.”
(05:07 p.m. EDT) Roads Across Shelby County, Tennessee Closed
The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency urged residents to use extreme caution if they get on the roads. They shared photos and videos of some roads covered by floodwaters, while others were washed away. A Flood Warning is in effect for that region through Monday afternoon.
(04:53 p.m. EDT) Floodwaters Swamp Memphis Neighborhoods
Local media shared this photo of floodwaters taking over a neighborhood in Memphis, with cars trapped and partially submerged. The Memphis metro area is under a Flash Flood Emergency until at least 8:15 p.m. CDT. The flooding has shut down roads across the region, including a portion of Interstate 40.
(04:35 p.m. EDT) Additional Death Confirmed In Missouri
The Missouri Highway Patrol confirmed that a 57-year-old man drowned Friday after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in West Plains, in Howell County. Two storm deaths have been confirmed in the state.
(03:55 p.m. EDT) ‘Thunder Over Louisville’ Event Canceled Due To Historic Floods
“Thunder Over Louisville,” the annual air and fireworks show that kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival has been canceled. Although it was scheduled for next Saturday, April 12, officials said they do not expect floodwaters to recede in time. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said his city is expecting one of the “top 10 flooding events in our recorded history.”
(03:31 p.m. EDT) Simultaneous Tornado And Flash Flood Warnings: What Should You Do?
It may sound like a rare occurrence, but every year there are hundreds of tornado and flash flood warnings issued within 30 minutes of each other for the same area. So where should you go in your home? It can get complicated, but check out this in-depth article on the possible solutions, scenarios and how this threatening weather combo is changing the warnings you receive from the National Weather Service.
(03:02 p.m. EDT) Flooding In The Outfield
Local media in Arkansas shared compelling drone footage of a local park flooded with water. Several baseball fields are shown to be completely inundated. If you look closely, you can see a submerged car in one of the baseball fields, as water begins to reach its roof.
(02:48 p.m. EDT) What We’re Watching
From weather.com meteorologist Robb Ellis:
The immediate focus right now is an intense line of damaging wind-producing thunderstorms pushing to the east of the Mississippi River. Memphis, western Tennessee and northwest Mississippi is expected to deal with damaging winds in excess of 80 miles per hour within the immediate line.
Then there’s the ongoing tornado threat. In addition to some tornadoes possible within that line of damaging winds, additional supercell thunderstorms are developing ahead of the line.
A supercell approaching Jackson, Tennessee was tornado-warned, and additional supercells could form along a weak front draped across the state.
Meanwhile, north of and behind the line of damaging winds, heavy rains continue to complicate ongoing flooding problems in Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana.
(02:35 p.m. EDT) Storm Damages Community Center In Arkansas
Jacksonville is reeling from significant storm damage after high winds tore through the area. Photos show a community center with its siding ripped off.
(02:21 p.m. EDT) Residents Lose Access To 911
Hot Spring County Emergency Management has alerted residents that due to an AT&T Fiber washout, all Central Arkansas Telephone Cooperative customers are currently without long-distance and 911 services.
The disruption is affecting communication across the area, leaving residents in heavily flooded areas without access to many emergency services. Authorities are urging people to seek alternative means of communication.
(02:08 p.m. EDT) House Swept Away By Floodwaters
Heartbreaking footage from Frankfort, Kentucky shows a house helplessly floating down the swollen river as flooding overwhelms the area.
The Frankfort area had already received nearly six inches of rain before today’s heavy rain event began.
(01:54 p.m. EDT) Hellish Scenes In Little Rock
Powerful photos from the Hillcrest neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas captured the aftermath of a tree falling onto power lines, which then sparked a fire that engulfed a car.
Power outages have topped 116,000 across the state.
(01:45 p.m. EDT) Parts Of Kentucky Being Evacuated
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for the cities of Butler and Falmouth, Kentucky due to severe flooding.
These evacuations will remain in effect until further notice, as dangerous conditions persist in the area.
(01:33 p.m. EDT) Second Death Confirmed In Kentucky
An additional storm-related death has been confirmed in Kentucky, where a 74-year-old man was found submerged in a vehicle after heavy flooding in Nelson County. The tragedy adds to the growing toll of fatalities from this spree of submerged storms.
(01:20 p.m. EDT) Devastating Flood Images
Photos from Facebook user Donell Russell in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas reveal devastating flooding, with roads and bridges washed out by the relentless rising waters. Images show asphalt crumbling under the deluge and downed trees causing widespread damage.
screenshot_2025-04-05_at_1.08.08_pm.png
(01:09 p.m. EDT) Power Outages Climb In Arkansas
Severe storms across the states have left 109,000 people (and counting) without power, as powerful winds topple trees and power lines.
Photos from local media show extensive storm damage, including uprooted trees that have crashed into homes and snapped street lights blocking roads.
(12:57 p.m. EDT) “The Worst Part Of Our Job”
From weather.com digital meteorologist Briana Waxman:
I was working Friday morning when I saw this tweet come across my desk:
My heart instantly sank, and I said to our team “This is by far the worst part of our job.”
As a meteorologist, you come to expect these things in any dangerous weather event. But as a parent of two young children, it’s hard to focus when you hear of something like this and put yourself in the family’s shoes. I can’t imagine what they are going through.
(12:43 p.m. EDT) Not Just Flooding, But High Wind
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:
There are some 60-70 mph wind gusts moving through the Little Rock metro area, on top of the flash flooding. Typically, wind speeds that high can take down tree limbs, but the threshold will be even lower today. Some 45-55 mph gusts might be enough. There will likely be some major tree root balls coming out of the ground since the ground is so saturated right now.
(12:31 p.m. EDT) Train Derails After Flooding Washes Out Tracks
Flooding has ripped apart a railroad bridge near Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, causing a train to derail, sending cars tumbling into the Warm Form Spring River.
Dramatic video shows the wreckage. The disaster highlights the destructive power of the ongoing flooding in the state.
(12:20 p.m. EDT) Flash Flood Emergency In Little Rock, Arkansas
As we receive word that a flash flood emergency has been issued for parts of Arkansas, it’s a good time to remind you why these warnings are so serious.
A flash flood emergency is the highest level of flood alert issued by the National Weather Service. It’s a rare, but critical warning signaling immediate, life-threatening flooding. These warnings are reserved for extreme situations where destructive flooding is imminent or ongoing and urgent action is required.
Unlike common flash flood warnings, which often affect roads and low-lying areas, flash flood emergencies indicate catastrophic danger and a high potential for damage.
(12:06 p.m. EDT) Don’t Underestimate The Dangers Of Flooding
Flooding is the second-leading cause of weather-related death, and on average kills more people every year than tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning combined. It only takes 6 inches of water to sweep you off your feet, and 12 inches can move a vehicle.
“Flooding is one of the most underestimated weather threats. It doesn’t look as dramatic as a tornado, but it’s far deadlier,” explains digital meteorologist Briana Waxman, “Many of those happen in vehicles. It’s silent, fast, and unforgiving.”
(11:55 a.m. EDT) On The Ground In Indiana
From weather.com meteorologist Robb Ellis, who is watching the impacts firsthand in Indiana:
“In central Indiana, a month’s worth of rain has fallen in just the first few days of April. In Indianapolis, 4.7″ of rain have fallen so far in April, which is more than the average rainfall of 4.34” for all of April And there are still 25 days left in April to go!
Flood warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings were ongoing Friday night into Saturday morning, in an area that is still cleaning up from Wednesday’s severe weather and tornadoes, including several tornadoes in the Indianapolis metro area.
On Wednesday an EF-2 tornado hit Brownsburg, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. the same thunderstorm produced an EF-1 tornado in the Carmel area of Indianapolis’ northern suburbs.”
Read the full article here
