Parts of the South and Midwest of the United States have been hit with storms, tornadoes, torrential rain, and subsequent floodwaters. This has, unfortunately, led to at least 17 deaths, according to Fox Weather. Children have regrettably succumbed to the storms, including a nine-year-old boy.
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According to the National Weather Service (NWS), flash flood warnings are in effect in parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Additionally, flood warnings remain in effect in Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Tornado warnings have also been issued in Alabama and Mississippi.
As a result of the extreme weather events, at least 17 people have been killed, as per Fox Weather and ABC News. Among the dead, a nine-year-old Kentucky boy identified as Gabriel Andrews was swept away by floodwaters as he was heading to his school bus stop on April 4 in Frankfort. He was found dead hours later by first responders.
"A tragedy such as this is felt by our entire community, and we all grieve together," Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson said. "We encourage our community to be diligent and stay safe during this weekend's continuing severe weather event."
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called Gabriel's death an "unimaginable loss," as per BBC News. We need everyone to understand that all water poses a risk right now," Beshear added. "Let's do everything possible to keep our loved ones safe."
Fatal Victims
Unfortunately, Gabriel Andrews is not the only child who has succumbed to the extreme weather conditions. The Arkansas Department of Public Safety confirmed on April 5 that a five-year-old child died in a North Little Rock home. No further details were provided.
A 74-year-old individual was reported trapped in their vehicle, which was fully submerged in water in Nelson County, Kentucky. When first responders arrived, unfortunately, they found the 74-year-old deceased. The
Nelson County Sheriff's Office instructed the community not to cross flooded roadways."Please do not try to cross flooded roadways," the sheriff's office wrote. "The end result does not out weigh the risk. Turn around don't drown is more than a saying it's the difference between life and death."
According to The Associated Press, 521 flights were cancelled and more than 6,400 flights were delayed due to the extreme weather conditions in the United States just on Saturday, April 5. On Sunday, April 6, 316 flights were canceled, with 3,865 reported delays, as per FlightAware.com.
