At least 16 people have died across the U.S. South and Midwest due to a powerful storm system that brought tornadoes, flash floods, and heavy rain over several days. Ten of the fatalities occurred in Tennessee, with others reported in Kentucky, Missouri, and Arkansas.
Tornado and flash flood warnings remained active into Sunday, with additional rainfall expected to keep waterways rising. The National Weather Service warned dozens of locations could reach “major flood stage,” threatening homes, roads, and bridges.
Victims included a 9-year-old boy swept away in Kentucky, a 57-year-old man in Missouri, and a 5-year-old in Arkansas. Tornadoes earlier in the week caused widespread destruction and at least seven deaths.
Flash flooding and severe weather prompted emergency declarations and evacuations, including in Falmouth, Kentucky, where the Licking River rose dangerously close to its 1997 flood record. More than 6,400 flights were delayed and 521 canceled Saturday. Flooding also disrupted rail commerce.
Officials warn continued weather threats could be worsened by staffing shortages at the National Weather Service, which is operating with about 20% fewer employees than a decade ago.
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