At least 18 killed as heavy rains cause flooding in Midwestern, Southern US states

Rivers have risen and flooding has intensified across the saturated regions of the US South and Midwest, threatening communities already significantly damaged by days of heavy rainfall and wind, claiming the lives of at least 18 people.

Although the rain has begun to recede in some of the most severely impacted areas of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, water levels continue to rise in various communities, inundating homes and businesses and submerging roads.

In Frankfort, Kentucky, rescue teams have been navigating flooded streets in inflatable boats to check on residents in the state capital. Additionally, workers have constructed sandbag barriers to safeguard homes and businesses, while utilities have been shut off as the swollen Kentucky River continues to rise.

As of Sunday, the river's depth had surpassed 14 metres and is anticipated to reach almost 15 metres by Monday morning, potentially reaching setting a record high, according to Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. The city's flood wall system is designed to withstand water levels of up to 15.5 metres.

Meteorologists have indicated that flooding may persist as heavy rains continue to affect several states. Tornado watches were issued in parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida throughout much of Sunday.

Storms have resulted in a tragic loss of life

The 18 reported fatalities since the onset of the storms on Wednesday include 10 individuals from Tennessee. A 9-year-old boy in Kentucky was swept away by floodwaters while enroute to his school bus.

In Arkansas, a 5-year-old boy died when a tree fell on his family's home, trapping him, according to police reports. Additionally, a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter from Missouri lost his life in a vehicle accident while attempting to rescue others caught in the storm.

The National Weather Service reported on Sunday that numerous locations across multiple states are expected to reach a "major flood stage," with widespread flooding of structures, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure likely.

In north-central Kentucky, emergency officials have mandated the evacuation of Falmouth and Butler, towns situated near the rising Licking River.

Three decades ago, the river reached a record height of 15.24 metres, resulting in five fatalities and the destruction of 1,000 homes.

The storms come after the Trump administration cut jobs at NWS forecast offices, leaving half of them with vacancy rates of about 20%, double the level of a decade ago.

Flooding forces evacuations

A small town in northwestern Tennessee, with a population of around 200, was nearly completely submerged on Sunday after the Obion River overflowed due to a levee failure in February.

As of early Sunday, Memphis had recorded 14 inches (35 centimetres) of rain since Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. West Memphis and Arkansas had received 10 inches (25 centimetres).

The rain and strong winds continued to move eastward on Sunday, causing trees to fall in Alabama and Georgia.

Forecasters have attributed the severe weather conditions to elevated temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong winds, and an abundance of moisture flowing in from the Gulf.