Nine Dead After Severe Winter Storm Sweeps US “`
Severe winter weather across the U.S. has resulted in at least nine fatalities, eight of which occurred in Kentucky due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall and inundated roads.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported Sunday that hundreds of flood-stranded individuals required rescue operations.
Governor Beshear attributed many deaths, including a mother and her 7-year-old child, to vehicles becoming trapped in floodwaters.
He urged residents to avoid travel, emphasizing the ongoing search and rescue efforts and commending the first responders.
Approximately 39,000 homes experienced power outages, with potential for further disruptions due to strong winds.
Beyond Kentucky, the U.S. faced widespread severe winter weather. The Northern Plains experienced life-threatening cold, while tornado watches were issued for parts of Georgia and Florida.
Hart County Coroner Tony Roberts confirmed the deaths of the mother and child, who were swept away in Bonnieville. In southeastern Kentucky, a 73-year-old man perished in Clay County floodwaters, according to County Emergency Management Deputy Director Revelle Berry.
Intense weekend storms delivered up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain to parts of Kentucky and Tennessee, as reported by Bob Oravec, a senior forecaster with the National Weather Service.
Oravec noted the lingering impact of the flooding, with swollen streams and prolonged inundation expected.
In Atlanta, a falling tree resulted in a fatality after striking a home early Sunday, according to Atlanta Fire Rescue Capt. Scott Powell.
Sub-zero temperatures are anticipated for the Northern Plains, with lows in the minus 30s F near the Canadian border. Wind chills ranging from minus 40 Fahrenheit (minus 40 Celsius) to minus 50 F (minus 45.6 C) are expected in the Dakotas and Minnesota.
Heavy snowfall is predicted for parts of New England and northern New York, with potential wind gusts up to 60 mph (about 97 kph) creating hazardous conditions, according to the NWS.
Kentucky faces severe flooding
Kentucky and Virginia experienced significant flooding, with submerged vehicles and buildings, and mudslides obstructing roads. Flood warnings were in effect for these states, along with Tennessee and Arkansas. The National Weather Service advised residents to remain off the roads.
Following heavy rains, parts of Kentucky experienced snowfall early Sunday.
The Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson temporarily closed its emergency department, transferring patients to other hospitals. The hospital planned to reassess conditions to determine reopening time. The north fork of the Kentucky River was projected to crest nearly 14 feet (4.3 meters) above flood stage.
Images shared on social media depicted submerged vehicles and buildings in south-central and eastern Kentucky. In Buchanan County, Virginia, numerous roads were blocked by mudslides, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Simpson County Office of Emergency Management in Kentucky reported conducting several rescues of stranded motorists.
“Stay home if you can,” the office advised on Facebook.
New England faces snow, then sleet
Heavy snowfall is expected across much of New England, transitioning to sleet.
Oravec stated that snowfall was relatively light due to the freezing rain and sleet mix.
Snow and frigid temperatures affected the Midwest and Upper Plains Saturday, impacting roads in eastern Nebraska, northern Iowa and Wisconsin. Winter weather advisories were issued for parts of these states and Michigan, with up to 4 inches (10.6 centimeters) of snow predicted.
Frigid polar vortex
Meteorologists anticipate the tenth and coldest polar vortex event of the season, impacting the northern Rockies and northern Plains initially. Arctic weather patterns are driving frigid air southward into the U.S. and Europe.
In Denver, anticipating temperatures as low as 14 degrees (minus 10 degrees Celsius), the city opened shelters for the homeless.
—Sophia Tareen contributed to this report from Chicago.
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