Flooding, tornadoes slam Southeast as death toll rises: Updates

Yahoo

07-04-2025

MONTEREY, Ky. − A deadly storm system that slammed a swath of the nation with tornadoes and torrential rainfall for days was lingering over the Mississippi River Valley on Monday and slowly sliding to the Southeast, forecasters warned.
Rescue crews in boats swept across cities and towns as floodwater rose. At least 19 people have died since the storms developed Wednesday, according to authorities and media reports across the Southeast.
Flood stage for the Kentucky River near Monterey, about20 miles from the capital Frankfort, is 33 feet. It's expected to crest Tuesday morning at 57 feet, which would exceed the record by 3 inches. Flooding and evacuations have led to additional concerns.
"Now we're worried about looters," Owen County Emergency Management Director Larry Karsner said. "I've asked the state for help, but if they don't send any, I will sit out all night in this truck if I have to."
The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 10 weather-related deaths in the state amid days of severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding. The severe weather was diminishing in some areas, but not the dangers.
"River flooding will be a concern across middle Tennessee through mid-week as well, so remember, Turn Around Don't Drown!" the National Weather Service in Nashville warned Monday on social media.
The weather service said scattered thunderstorms, some with heavy rainfall, severe winds, and tornadoes were possible Monday afternoon across parts of northern Florida and the southern Atlantic Coast.
"Moisture, instability, and wind shear will come together to promote the development of thunderstorms that are capable of producing damaging winds and perhaps a tornado or two," the weather service said.
New threat after relentless rain? Rivers dangerously rising: Updates
Monday's forecast for the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, called for "periods of heavy rain and a thunderstorm," according to AccuWeather. It won't just be for a few hours, either. Rain is expected to fall all day.The expected thunderstorms are the bigger issue, obviously. While it is expected to calm down in the afternoon, that would likely be too late for fans to get their fill given what they paid for.
On the bright side, Thursday is not expected to have any rain for the first round of the 2025 Masters, with only a 5% chance of rain between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. local time. Unfortunately, there is a much higher chance of rain on Friday for Round 2 with a 50% chance of rain as early as 9 a.m.
− Jon Hoefling
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southeast slammed by flooding, tornadoes as death toll rises; updates