A powerful storm hit the Southeast U.S. over the weekend, causing heavy rain, dangerous flooding, and severe winter weather. Kentucky was among the hardest-hit states, with at least one confirmed death due to flooding.
Deadly Flooding in the Southeast
A 73-year-old man was found dead in floodwaters in Clay County, Kentucky. Authorities are also investigating another death and a missing person in Hart County, where severe flooding occurred.
Floodwaters submerged cars and buildings in Kentucky, and mudslides blocked roads in Virginia. Many areas, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas, remained under flood warnings.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 southern counties, allowing emergency responders to provide aid. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also declared a state of emergency, as some parts of western Kentucky could receive up to 8 inches of rain.
Several evacuation shelters opened in Kentucky, and Kentucky State Police were conducting wellness checks in high-risk areas. The Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson temporarily shut down its emergency department, transferring patients to nearby hospitals.
Major Snowstorm in the Northeast and Midwest
While the Southeast faced floods, heavy snowfall and blizzard-like conditions swept through the Northeast and Midwest.
Up to a foot of snow was expected in upstate New York and northern New England. The mix of snow and sleet made travel dangerous, with warnings for icy roads and possible power outages.
In the Midwest, eastern Nebraska, northern Iowa, and Wisconsin were covered in snow, with up to 4 inches expected in Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Arctic Cold and Dangerous Wind Chills
The U.S. is experiencing its 10th and coldest polar vortex event this season. Extreme cold will impact areas from Montana to Minnesota, with wind chills as low as -60°F (-51°C) in some places. Officials advised people to stay indoors and protect livestock from freezing temperatures.
In Denver, where temperatures dropped to 14°F (-10°C), emergency shelters were opened for those without homes.
Storm Aftermath in California
After facing the strongest storm of the year, Southern California saw a break from rain, but the risk of mudslides remained high. In Sierra Madre, debris and boulders crashed down hillsides, trapping cars and damaging homes.
Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada mountains received six feet of snow, and an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain injured two ski patrol workers.
Stay informed and take precautions as extreme weather continues across the country.
