Warnings for over 100 million people in the USA – floods, extreme cold and power outages

Severe storms, floods, and extreme cold have hit the United States, causing widespread destruction and fatalities. Torrential rains have led to flooding in Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee. As of Sunday, weather warnings were in effect for areas home to over 100 million people.

Floods in Kentucky and the Southern USA

Extreme weather struck the United States on Friday, February 14, 2025, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to several states. In Kentucky, at least eight people, including a seven-year-old child, lost their lives due to flooding. Water engulfed dozens of roads and buildings. In Wolfe, Owsley, and Lee counties, rivers, including the Kentucky River and Red River, exceeded their alarm levels, leading to home inundations and the evacuation of hundreds of residents.

Authorities warn that the worst floods are not over yet. “River levels will continue to rise,” said Eric Gibson, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, on Sunday.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has requested a federal disaster declaration from Donald Trump to secure additional aid for affected residents. “This was one of the worst floods in our state’s history,” Beshear stated at a Sunday press conference. Trump has approved the request, allowing additional funds for rescue and recovery efforts.

Webcam video showed flood waters rising along the north fork of the Kentucky River in Hazard, Kentucky, partially submerging houses in the vicinity https://t.co/kyi7OuWpOM pic.twitter.com/Sgiso9UEyq

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 17, 2025

In Alabama and Tennessee, storms and floods have also resulted in fatalities and significant property damage. In Morgan County, Alabama, a 65-year-old resident drowned when his car was swept away by fast-moving water. In Tennessee, the Harpeth River overflowed, submerging several homes and forcing emergency services to evacuate multiple families.

Power outages and other effects of the storms

According to poweroutage.us, at least 700,000 homes and businesses were without power on Sunday evening across states from New York to Alabama due to heavy rainfall and strong winds. In Buchanan County, Virginia, mudslides blocked several roads, while powerful winds in Albemarle, Virginia, toppled trees and power lines.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 counties on Saturday, later adding three more counties on Sunday. A state of emergency was also declared in parts of Obion County, Tennessee, after a levee breach led to the flooding of Rives, a town of approximately 300 residents.

“The residents of Rives will undergo mandatory evacuation due to rising water levels, power outages, and freezing temperatures that pose a life-threatening risk,” Mayor Steve Carr announced in a Sunday statement.

Tornadoes and storms on the East Coast

Storms also brought tornadoes to several states along the East Coast. In Georgia, strong winds and tornadoes damaged buildings, downed power lines, and blocked roads with fallen trees. In Coweta County, an EF-2 tornado damaged at least 20 buildings and caused widespread power outages. Tornadoes were also reported in North and South Carolina.

Extreme cold in Northern USA

While the South battles floods, the northern and central U.S. is experiencing extreme cold. Snow has covered roads in eastern Nebraska, northern Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. In Denver, temperatures dropped to -10°C, prompting authorities to open shelters for the homeless.

On the Great Plains, wind chills have plummeted to between -34°C and -51°C, leading officials to advise residents to stay indoors. Many counties have closed schools, and power companies are urging people to conserve electricity. Northern New York is expected to see up to 30 cm of snow, along with icy roads and further power outages.

Impact of extreme weather

According to the latest reports, the death toll in Kentucky and Georgia has reached ten.

“We believe this number will rise,” said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, adding that most fatalities resulted from vehicles being trapped in high water. “I urge everyone: stay off the roads and prioritize your safety,” Beshear warned.

The National Weather Service warns that storms, tornadoes, and extreme cold could persist for several more days. Residents in affected areas should monitor weather alerts and prepare for further extreme weather conditions.

main photo: Don Sniegowski / flickr