Tornadoes, Flash Flooding Devastate Multiple States

A multi-day severe weather outbreak has left at least 17 people dead and dozens more injured across 10 states from the Midwest to the South. Since Wednesday, more than 90 tornadoes have been reported, along with historic levels of rainfall that triggered catastrophic flooding in several areas.

Tragedy Strikes Across the Region

The storm’s victims include a 9-year-old boy in Kentucky swept away by floodwaters, and a 5-year-old child in Arkansas found dead in a flooded home. Tennessee has reported the highest death toll, with at least 10 lives lost—many in Selmer, where a powerful EF-3 tornado caused widespread destruction.

Missouri mourns the loss of two firefighters: 68-year-old Fire Chief Garry Moore died while helping a stranded driver, and 16-year-old Chevy Gall was killed in a crash while responding to an emergency.

States Under Emergency Alerts

Flash flood emergencies stretched across Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, and into parts of the Deep South. Memphis recorded more than 14 inches of rain, including its wettest April day ever with over 5 inches falling on Saturday alone.

More than 50 river gauges across the Mid-South are expected to reach major flood stage this week, with at least 18 already at dangerous levels.

Tornado Watches and Flood Warnings Continue

Tornado watches were in effect Sunday morning for Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia, including metro areas like Atlanta and Birmingham. The National Weather Service issued a “particularly dangerous situation” alert, warning of more tornadoes and damaging winds over 75 mph.

Outlook: More Rain, But Diminishing Storms

While the worst of the weather is expected to ease by Monday, regions already hit hard may still see up to six more inches of rain. The risk of flash flooding remains high in parts of Georgia, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.

With rivers still rising and the ground saturated, emergency officials warn that recovery could take weeks. Communities continue cleanup efforts while bracing for possible aftershocks from this deadly weather system.

Keep up with the severe storm’s recovery and aftermath with us on Que Onda Magazine.