At least 9 people are dead, including 8 in Kentucky, in latest blast of winter weather

At least nine people have lost their lives in the latest bout of extreme weather to hit the United States, with eight of the fatalities occurring in Kentucky due to severe flooding. Rising water levels in creeks and roads being submerged under heavy rainfall created hazardous conditions across the state.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed on Sunday that emergency responders had carried out hundreds of rescues to assist individuals stranded by the floodwaters. In response to the crisis, President Donald Trump approved Kentucky’s request for a federal disaster declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts and provide much-needed assistance to affected areas.

According to Beshear, most of the casualties were the result of vehicles becoming trapped in high water, including a tragic incident involving a mother and her 7-year-old child. The governor urged residents to stay off the roads for their own safety, emphasizing that the state was currently focused on search-and-rescue operations. He praised the dedication of emergency personnel and volunteers who risked their lives to help those in danger.

Since the storms began on Saturday, authorities have conducted an estimated 1,000 rescues across Kentucky. The severe weather also caused widespread power outages, affecting approximately 39,000 homes. Beshear warned that strong winds in certain regions could lead to additional outages in the coming days.

The National Weather Service reported that portions of Kentucky and Tennessee received as much as six inches (15 centimeters) of rain, leading to extensive flooding. Meteorologist Bob Oravec stated that the effects of the storm would continue to be felt for some time, as swollen streams and rivers maintained high water levels, prolonging the risk of further flooding.

In Alabama, officials confirmed that an EF-1 tornado had touched down in Hale County overnight, causing damage to mobile homes, downing trees, and knocking out power lines. While no injuries were immediately reported, authorities urged residents to remain cautious. The city of Tuscumbia, in northern Alabama, experienced significant damage, with strong winds ripping off rooftops and damaging downtown buildings. Local officials advised people to stay away from the affected area until further assessments could be made.

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, a state of emergency was declared for parts of Obion County after a levee breach on Saturday resulted in widespread flooding in the small town of Rives, which has a population of around 300. Mayor Steve Carr announced that mandatory evacuations were being enforced due to the rising water levels, lack of electricity, and dangerously cold temperatures that posed a life-threatening risk to residents.

In Atlanta, Georgia, the storm claimed another life when a large tree fell onto a home early Sunday morning. Atlanta Fire Rescue officials confirmed the fatality but did not release further details.

As the winter storm system continues to move across the country, dangerously low temperatures are being recorded in several northern states. The National Weather Service issued an "extreme cold warning" for North Dakota, where wind chills were expected to drop to as low as -50°F (-45.6°C). Similar warnings were in place for parts of Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota, where freezing conditions presented serious risks for residents and travelers alike.

Severe Flooding in Kentucky and Neighboring States
Heavy rainfall led to severe flooding across multiple states, submerging roads, vehicles, and buildings in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. Both Kentucky and Virginia were placed under flood warnings, as emergency officials worked tirelessly to manage the crisis.

In Bonnieville, Kentucky, floodwaters tragically claimed the lives of a mother and her young child when they were swept away in the rising current, according to Hart County Coroner Tony Roberts. In a separate incident, a 73-year-old man was found dead in floodwaters in Clay County, southeastern Kentucky. Governor Beshear reported that a total of four deaths occurred in Hart County due to the extreme weather.

The flooding forced the closure of the Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson, where patients had to be relocated to other hospitals in the region. The decision was made as a precaution after a nearby river overflowed, threatening the facility’s operations.

Images circulating on social media showed distressing scenes of submerged vehicles and homes in parts of south-central and eastern Kentucky. In Buchanan County, Virginia, authorities reported multiple road closures caused by mudslides, further complicating emergency response efforts.

Elsewhere in Virginia, strong winds knocked down trees and power lines in Albemarle County, leading to widespread power outages. The Charlottesville Police Department warned residents that emergency response times might be delayed due to the overwhelming number of weather-related calls for assistance. Law enforcement officials urged the public to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Power outages were also widespread along the Eastern Seaboard, from New York to Georgia, as the storm system moved eastward. High winds, heavy rainfall, and snow contributed to downed power lines, leaving thousands of homes without electricity.

In West Virginia, 13 counties in the southern part of the state were placed under a state of emergency due to flooding. Some areas became inaccessible by vehicle, making evacuations and rescue efforts more difficult. Several volunteer fire departments struggled to respond to calls, as floodwaters entered their own stations and disrupted operations.

Winter Storms and a Polar Vortex Threaten the Midwest and Northeast
While flooding and severe storms affected the southern and eastern U.S., icy conditions and heavy snowfall created hazardous travel conditions across parts of the Midwest and Northeast.

In Michigan, authorities warned drivers of treacherous road conditions as ice and snow covered highways. A winter weather advisory remained in effect for much of the state until Monday afternoon. Michigan State Police reported that at least 114 vehicle crashes had occurred in the Detroit area since snowfall began on Saturday. Fortunately, the majority of these incidents were minor, with no reports of severe injuries. However, officials stressed that many of the crashes were caused by drivers traveling too fast for the conditions or following other vehicles too closely.

In Colorado, officials reported that since Valentine’s Day, at least eight people had died in fatal car accidents linked to the ongoing winter storm. The Colorado State Patrol urged residents to exercise extreme caution while driving, as icy roads and blowing snow continued to make travel dangerous, particularly in mountainous regions.

The Midwest also faced significant snowfall and blizzard-like conditions, affecting areas in Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Authorities closed several highways due to whiteout conditions.