Severe Weather Strikes Southeast and Northeast Faces Snowstorm Threat

Severe Weather Strikes Southeast and Northeast Faces Snowstorm Threat

The Southeastern United States experienced intense rainfall and perilous flooding on Saturday, as a significant portion of the East endured a return to harsh and wet weather conditions.

Tragically, a man was discovered deceased in rising floodwaters in Clay County, Kentucky, as reported by local news station WKYT-TV.

In Kentucky, numerous vehicles and buildings found themselves submerged while mudslides obstructed roadways in Virginia. Both Kentucky and Virginia, along with Tennessee and Arkansas, were placed under flood warnings.

In addition, the Northeast braced for anticipated snowstorms over the weekend, while the Mississippi Valley faced potential tornado threats.

State of Emergency and Government Actions

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for ten southern counties in light of the severe storms and flooding.

Moreover, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued a preemptive state of emergency as his state faced a forecast of flash flooding extending into Sunday. Reports indicated that flash floods affected various roads in Bowling Green, with predictions of up to eight inches of rainfall in parts of western Kentucky.

“We want to specifically place resources in flood-prone locations that have faced previous flooding episodes,” Beshear emphasized through social media channels.

As part of his ongoing updates, Governor Beshear alerted residents to particularly vulnerable areas, including Jackson County. He also noted that State Police officers were conducting wellness checks and that shelters opened in both Pike County and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg.

By late Saturday, Governor Beshear had submitted a request to the White House for an emergency disaster declaration, seeking federal assistance for impacted communities.

In Jackson, the River Medical Center closed its emergency department and began transferring all patients to nearby hospitals as a safety precaution. The hospital promised to reassess conditions on Sunday morning to determine when it could resume normal operations. The National Weather Service predicted that the north fork of the Kentucky River might peak nearly 14 feet above its flood stage by Sunday afternoon.

The Simpson County Office of Emergency Management in Kentucky reported multiple rescues from stranded vehicles in the floodwaters, urging residents to remain indoors.

Warnings for flash flooding were also issued for the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys. Tennessee experienced flash flood warnings for much of its central regions.

The National Weather Service characterized the anticipated heavy rainfall as a significant and potentially historic flash flood event.

Snowstorm Threat in the Northeast

Meanwhile, in northern regions, heavy snowfall is expected to blanket much of New England before transitions to sleet complicate travel plans. Upstate New York, along with parts of northern New England, will likely bear the brunt of the storm, possibly accumulating a foot or more of snow.

Moreover, the weather forecast indicates that some areas could witness ice accumulations up to a quarter inch, creating hazardous driving conditions. Experts also warned that substantial icing could lead to downed trees and subsequent power outages.

As arctic temperatures swept across the Midwest and Upper Plains, roads in eastern Nebraska, northern Iowa, and significant portions of Wisconsin covered in snow. Winter weather advisories were issued for some areas in these states alongside Michigan, with snow accumulation estimates reaching up to four inches by Sunday evening in Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and most of Michigan.

Polar Vortex Impacting the U.S.

The United States braces for its tenth and coldest polar vortex event of the season, with the northern Rockies and northern Plains being the initial regions to feel the impact.

As temperatures plunged as low as 14 degrees throughout the weekend, Denver prepared shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness. Reports indicate that snow accumulation north of Denver is nearing an inch per hour.

The Upper Plains are also expected to endure extreme cold over the next few days, with wind chill values plummeting to minus 30 degrees, and in some areas—such as western Montana, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, and western Minnesota—potentially reaching as low as minus 60 degrees.

Southern California Weather Update

In Southern California, dry weather returned following the strongest storm of the year. Nevertheless, the risk of rock and mudslides persists on wildfire-scarred hillsides. Even after rain ceases, the danger of landslides remains high, particularly in regions where vegetation that stabilizes soil has been destroyed by fires.

The reports of extreme weather highlight the necessity for preparedness as storms wreak havoc across multiple states. Authorities continue to monitor conditions while ensuring the safety of their residents.

Associated Press contributed to this report.