America’s heartland faces severe weather amid recovery from historic flooding and deadly storms

In the wake of severe storms and flooding that recently struck parts of the Midwest and Southeast, residents are now facing a renewed risk of dangerous weather. At least 25 people were killed in seven states due to the extreme weather, including tornadoes and flooding. Clusters of thunderstorms are expected to develop in areas heavily impacted by the severe weather, with more than 34 million people at risk of experiencing severe storms on Thursday. While the threat isn’t as high as before, residents are being urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

An emergency disaster declaration has been approved for Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, allowing FEMA to provide additional support to communities affected by the historic disaster. In Kentucky, the National Guard, Kentucky State Police, and local leaders are working to keep people safe and are urging residents to avoid travel until the floodwaters recede. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Tennessee due to significant flooding impacts, and damage assessments are ongoing in the state to determine the need for a federal major disaster declaration.

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear has emphasized the importance of following safety guidelines and not risking lives by driving around barricades. He highlighted the dangers not only to individuals who ignore warnings but also to those who come to their rescue. The historic flooding in the Mississippi and Ohio valleys has led to evacuations in Tennessee, with damage assessments underway in affected areas. The results of these assessments will determine whether a federal major disaster declaration is needed to support the recovery efforts in the state.

The FOX Forecast Center has identified the main drivers of storm development on Thursday as a cold front moving south from the Midwest and the orientation of the jet stream over the US. The main threats from storms will be damaging wind gusts and large hail, with the possibility of a few tornadoes. Cities such as Memphis, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Atlanta are at risk of severe storms. The Storm Prediction Center has placed nearly 14 million people in a Level 2 risk on its severe thunderstorm risk scale.

As residents in the affected areas continue to recover from the devastation caused by the severe weather, they are urged to document the damage to their homes and property before cleanup efforts begin. This information will be essential for insurance claims and future assistance applications. The ongoing recovery efforts highlight the resilience of the communities impacted by the disaster and the importance of preparedness and safety measures in the face of extreme weather events.