A deadly coast-to-coast winter storm has wreaked havoc across the United States, threatening parts of the South, Midwest, and Northeast with flooding and bringing life-threatening cold air into the Central US. The storm, which began over the weekend, has caused significant damage and loss of life in several states.
In Kentucky, at least nine individuals lost their lives as frigid floodwaters reached historic highs in some areas. Georgia also reported one fatality due to the severe weather conditions. Emergency management officials have issued warnings of continued flooding and urged residents to stay safe.
Record-breaking rainfall levels were recorded in Kentucky, with emergency crews conducting over 1,000 rescues in under 24 hours. The state of emergency was declared ahead of the storm, and federal disaster assistance has been approved to aid in search and rescue operations.
Virginia and Indiana have also faced flash flood emergencies, with swift water rescues underway. The National Weather Service has cautioned about the dangers of hypothermia due to frigid water temperatures mixing with snow and ice in affected areas.
As the storm moves eastward, heavy snow is expected in New England and the Great Lakes region. Millions of people are under winter storm warnings, with widespread power outages reported across the Eastern US.
Furthermore, life-threatening cold temperatures are forecasted for the Central US, with potentially record-breaking lows and dangerous wind chills expected. The storm system is projected to bring significant snowfall and ice accumulation across several states.
Authorities are bracing for a rise in the death toll as the impact of the storm becomes more apparent. Kentucky, in particular, has experienced devastating losses, with historic flooding levels and multiple fatalities reported. The state is urging residents to avoid travel and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
