At least nine people have lost their lives due to severe storms that brought heavy rains and flash flooding to the Southeast US.
The region is experiencing a renewed round of harsh weather, with Kentucky being the worst-hit state.
Kentucky Bears the Brunt of the Storms
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that eight people, including a mother and a 7-year-old child, have died in Kentucky due to storm-related incidents.
The governor warned residents to stay off the roads and stay alive, as the state is currently in the search and rescue phase.
Over 1,000 rescues have been conducted across the state since the storms began on Saturday.
harrowing Scenes in Kentucky
Cars were submerged in floodwaters, and buildings were underwater in Kentucky. Mudslides blocked roads in Virginia, and both states were under flood warnings.
The National Weather Service advised residents to stay off the roads, and forecasters predicted a “major, potentially historic, flash flood event.”
Other States Affected by the Storms
Tennessee, West Virginia, and Arkansas were also under flood warnings, with residents warned to stay indoors.
A ninth person was found dead in Atlanta, Georgia, after powerful winds uprooted a tree that crashed into the man’s home.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed two tornadoes touched down in the state last week, injuring two people and damaging several homes and businesses.
Winter Weather Warnings Issued
Forecasters issued winter weather warnings for the Northeast, with heavy snow expected to blanket much of New England.
The Midwest and Upper Plains were also experiencing snow and arctic temperatures, with winter weather advisories issued for parts of those states.
A polar vortex is expected to bring extreme cold to the northern Rockies and northern Plains, with temperatures dipping as low as 14 degrees in Denver.
California Struggles with Mudslides
Dry weather returned to southern California after the strongest storm of the year, but the risk of rock and mudslides on wildfire-scarred hillsides continued.
A storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains dumped 6 feet of snow, and two ski patrol staff were caught in an avalanche during avalanche mitigation work.
Safety Precautions
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay indoors, avoid traveling, and make provisions to shelter livestock and other animals.
The National Weather Service warned of hazardous conditions on mountain roads, and authorities urged people to stay off the roads and stay alive.