9-Year-Old Boy Swept Away by Floodwaters as at Least 16 People Dead Amid Tornadoes and Storms Hitting Central U.S.
At least 16 people have died after torrential rain and flash flooding struck parts of the South and Midwest, already heavily waterlogged by a series of severe storms that also spawned tornadoes.
The National Weather Service said locations in multiple states are expected to reach what they call 'major flood stage,' with extensive flooding of structures, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure possible, AP News and Fox 10 reported.
As of Sunday morning, new tornado warnings have been issued in Alabama and Mississippi, while flash flood warnings are in place across several counties in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee, according to the outlets.
At least 10 of the 16 weather-related deaths have been in Tennessee, authorities said.
Related: At Least 6 Dead as Tornadoes Barrel Through U.S. and People Brace for 'Catastrophic' Flooding
The latest death was a 74-year-old driver who was found dead in their vehicle in Boston, Kentucky, on Saturday morning, per Fox Weather.
Nelson County Sheriff's Office confirmed the tragedy in a Facebook post, saying, 'Please do not try to cross flooded roadways. The end result does not outweigh the risk. Turn around, don't drown is more than a saying it's the difference between life and death.'
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On Friday, a 9-year-old boy - who has been identified as Gabriel Andrews - was found dead in Frankfort, Kentucky, after being swept away by floodwaters while walking to a school bus stop, Cleveland 19 News reported.
"We are deeply saddened at this horrific tragedy that claimed the life of one of our students," Franklin County Schools Superintendent Mark Kopp said in a news conference reported by the BBC.
A 5-year-old has also died at a home in Little Rock, Arkansas, in a weather-related incident, per The Independent. Police have not released further details at this time.
Related: Violent Tornado Sends School Bus into Roof of Alabama High School, 'Totally' Destroying Gym
The National Weather Service has described the ongoing extreme weather as a 'life-threatening, catastrophic, and potentially historic flash flood event.'
Forecasters have said that swollen rivers will continue to pose a danger even when the rain stops, while there is also an enhanced risk of tornadoes from eastern Texas to western Tennessee due to changes in pressure and high winds, according to the BBC.
Over 162,000 people are without power amid the storms in parts of Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma, per the outlet. The extreme weather has also destroyed several homes and caused significant damage to structures, Fox Weather and Fox 10 reported.
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