At least 16 people have died in Texas and Ohio, USA, due to intense flooding caused by powerful storms, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Among the victims are 10 individuals from Tennessee, with other incidents reported in Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
The floods have been worsened by rapidly rising rivers as relentless rainfall continues. On Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines), authorities warned that flooding is expected to persist in the coming days.
The NWS further stated that several areas are expected to reach “major flood stage,” which could lead to widespread damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
Interstate commerce has also been disrupted, particularly at key cargo hubs in Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, which may delay food supply deliveries.
Forecasters explained that the heavy rainfall since Friday has been triggered by hot temperatures, strong winds, and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. The NWS also reported two tornadoes observed in Missouri and Arkansas. One of these tornadoes, near Blytheville, Arkansas, carried debris as high as 7.6 kilometers into the air.
The Arkansas Emergency Management Office reported damage across 22 counties, including tornado damage, strong winds, hail, and flooding.
Meanwhile, affected communities continue to struggle as floodwaters rise, exacerbating the effects of a shortage of NWS personnel following recent staff cuts under the Trump administration.
