9-Year-Old Boy Swept Away by Floodwaters as at Least 16 People Dead After Tornadoes and Storms Hit the Central U.S. #14

At least 16 people have died in the United States after torrential rain and flash flooding hit parts of the South and Midwest, which were already heavily waterlogged by a series of severe storms that also spawned tornadoes.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said areas 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, according to the Associated Press and Fox 10.

As of April 6, 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, the outlets reported.

Authorities said there have been at least 16 weather-related deaths, with 10 of those taking place in Tennessee.

 

The latest death was a 74-year-old driver, who was found dead in their vehicle in Boston, Ky., on April 5, per Fox Weather.

Nelson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the tragedy in a Facebook post. “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,” they wrote.

On April 4, a 9-year-old boy — who has been identified as Gabriel Andrews — was found dead in Frankfort, Ky., 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, per the BBC.

A 5-year-old also died at a home in Little Rock, Ark., in a weather-related incident, The Independent reported. Police have not released further details surrounding that death.

 

The NWS has described the ongoing extreme weather as a “life-threatening, catastrophic and potentially historic flash flood event.”

Forecasters said that swollen rivers will continue to pose a danger, even when the rain stops. They added that 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.