Long-Running Storm Drenches Central U.S. but Starts to Shift East

The severe storm system sweeping across the central United States has caused extensive damage and is expected to bring more heavy rain and high winds on Sunday. The storm has been drenching communities from Texas to Ohio for several days as it moves eastward, leading to widespread flooding and road closures.

The hardest-hit areas over the weekend have been Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky, where rising water levels have triggered water rescues and evacuation orders. Tragically, the storm has claimed the lives of at least 16 people, including children and a firefighter, since it first struck on Wednesday.

The threat of storms and heavy rainfall is expected to shift eastward on Sunday but will diminish, providing some relief to residents in the South and Midwest. While rivers in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri are projected to crest over the next few days, the risk of severe flooding is not as high as it was earlier in the weekend.

Although the worst of the rain has passed in northern Kentucky, parts of the region could still receive up to five inches of rain before the inclement weather clears. The National Weather Service has warned of potential “moderate to major” flooding along the region’s rivers.

Residents in eastern Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee should brace for the storm’s impact on Sunday, with tornadoes reported in some areas. The storm is expected to continue moving eastward, affecting a wide swath of the Southeast.

Emergency workers in states like Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky have been conducting water rescues as floodwaters rise over the weekend. Tragically, a firefighter in Missouri lost his life during a rescue operation, while other fatalities have been reported.

Parts of Kentucky, including Montgomery County and Shelbyville, have been evacuated due to the rising waters. The Kentucky River is forecasted to reach near-record levels, prompting officials to issue mandatory evacuation orders for at-risk areas.

Residents in Falmouth, a city along the Licking River, have also been ordered to evacuate as the region braces for major flooding. The community is taking precautions following a devastating flood in 1997 that claimed several lives.

Communities along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers have begun to recover from the worst of the storm, but many areas are still grappling with the aftermath. Businesses and residents have suffered damage, with some facing indefinite closures and property losses.

Despite the challenges, residents like Jessica Stratton in Tyrone are stepping up to help their neighbors in need. The community spirit and resilience are evident as people come together to support one another during this difficult time.