At least 9 dead, including 8 in Kentucky, as winter storms hit US

Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that emergency teams had conducted about 1,000 rescues across the state since the storms began on Saturday.

“Most of the deaths were caused by vehicles getting stuck in high water, including a mother and her seven-year-old child,” Beshear said. “Stay off the roads and stay safe.”

US President Donald Trump has approved Kentucky’s request for a disaster declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate relief efforts.

Storms knock out power and cause damage

The storms have also disrupted power supplies, with around 39,000 homes affected. Beshear warned that strong winds could lead to further outages.

In this photo provided by Donnie Smith, a kayaker navigates floodwaters Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in rural Knox County, Ky. (Photo: AP)

Some areas in Kentucky and Tennessee saw up to six inches (15cm) of rain, said Bob Oravec, a senior forecaster at the National Weather Service. “The impact will last for some time, as streams remain swollen and flooding continues,” he explained.

In Alabama, an EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Hale County. Authorities reported damaged homes, downed trees, and power lines, but no injuries were immediately recorded.

Levee failure in Tennessee

A levee failed in Rives, Tennessee, flooding nearby homes and prompting emergency rescues. The town, home to fewer than 300 people, saw flash flooding warnings issued just hours before the failure. Officials are still assessing the extent of the damage.

In Atlanta, a person was killed after a tree fell on a house early on Sunday, according to Atlanta Fire Rescue Captain Scott Powell.

Severe cold hits Northern US

While the South struggles with flooding, the Northern Plains are facing extreme cold. Wind chills as low as minus 50°F (minus 45.6°C) have been reported in parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

Winter storms have also created hazardous conditions in the Midwest and Northeast. (Photo: AP

Meteorologists have warned that a polar vortex is pushing Arctic air into the US, making this the tenth and coldest such event this season.

“Life-threatening cold” conditions are expected in the coming days, with temperatures in some areas dropping to minus 30°F (minus 34°C).

Winter storms disrupt the Midwest and Northeast

Winter storms have also created hazardous conditions in the Midwest and Northeast. In Michigan, a winter weather advisory remains in place until Monday afternoon, with treacherous roads leading to over 100 reported crashes around Detroit. Michigan State Police urged drivers to slow down and leave more space between vehicles.

Wisconsin resident Mark Framness said the heavy snowfall has been good for skiing but has also made everyday travel difficult. “I’ve had to use my snow blower almost every day, and now with temperatures dropping below zero, I’m just staying inside,” he said.

Avalanche warnings have been issued across the Rocky Mountains, with the highest risks in Utah, Colorado, and Washington state.

Authorities in affected states continue to urge people to stay home if possible and avoid unnecessary travel as winter’s fury rages on.

(with inputs from AP)