United States: Intense storms result in 16 fatalities, including minors.

A series of powerful storms sweeping across the United States have resulted in severe flooding and the tragic loss of 16 lives, among them a nine-year-old child.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts that additional storms are anticipated on Sunday. The intense storms have impacted the central-eastern region of the U.S., with local officials confirming at least 16 fatalities, including children, attributed to the extreme weather conditions. The NWS has cautioned that further "severe" flash flooding is likely in the coming days.

Over the past week, a chain of violent storms spanning from Arkansas to Ohio has caused significant damage, including flooding of roadways and the development of numerous tornadoes. Severe flooding began in Kentucky on Friday, with Tennessee suffering the brunt of the extreme weather, where state officials reported the deaths of 10 individuals in the western part of the state. In Kentucky, two fatalities were linked to the floods, including the tragic instance of a nine-year-old child who was "swept away by floodwaters" while heading to a bus stop, as stated by Governor Andy Beshear. Images captured from the affected regions depict extensive destruction, with homes damaged, trees uprooted, downed power lines, and overturned vehicles. The NWS stated that "severe, widespread flash flooding is expected" to continue into Sunday in parts of the central-eastern U.S., emphasizing that "lives and property are in great danger." Additionally, two storm-related deaths have been reported in Missouri, and one in Indiana, according to local media and authorities.

In Little Rock, Arkansas, a five-year-old was found deceased in a home due to the ongoing severe weather, as reported by the state's emergency management agency. Governor Beshear addressed the situation on social media, noting, "Flooding has reached record levels in many communities" and advising residents to "avoid travel and never drive through water." As of early Sunday, over 100,000 individuals were without power in Arkansas and Tennessee, according to tracking website PowerOutage US. The NWS has also alerted residents of potential moderate to severe tornadoes forming in parts of the Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley, accompanied by "severe thunderstorms.
DWNEWS