A catastrophic and historic flooding event unfolded across portions of four states over the weekend, leading to a levee failure in Tennessee and claiming the lives of at least 13 people, including 11 in Kentucky.
The powerful storm system brought severe weather threats to the eastern half of the United States, causing widespread devastation.
Authorities Issue Warnings as Entire Town Submerged
Search and rescue efforts are currently underway in Virginia, the most severely affected state. Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia residents also woke up to the widespread destruction left in the wake of the floods.
Officials reported that certain areas remain inaccessible due to dangerously high water levels, including Vansant, Prater, Grundy, Davenport, Slate Creek, Rocklick, Hurley, and Oakwood.
Taking to social media, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin urged residents to prioritize their safety and evacuate when necessary.
“Heavy rain is hitting Virginia, with flash floods already reported in SWVA. Stay alert — don’t fight the water, just leave, and call for help. First responders, rescue crews, law enforcement, VDOT, and the VA National Guard are deployed. Your safety is our top priority,” he wrote on Facebook.
Terrifying footage has been uploaded to Twitter from residents showing how ferocious the rushing waters were, with properties almost completely engulfed by the floods.
One video is of a woman taking a video from the safety of her porch as muddy floodwaters flow past her, and while her property has been drenched, it shows how she escaped the worst of it with cars and everything around her being wholly submerged.
The lady then highlights that a local Dollar General stood towards the end of the street – which is only really noticeable now by its roof as a bank also saw waves crash around halfway up the building.
Source: Ap News; NY Post; Unilad