Severe weather rolls through parts of America's heartland trying to recover from flooding, deadly storms
At least 27 people in seven states were killed due to the extreme weather, including deaths from tornadoes in Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, and fatalities from flooding in Kentucky.
Severe weather hits heartland still reeling from floods, deadly storms
Thursday featured widespread Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for the same areas heavily impacted by last week's severe storm outbreak and flooding. Over 25 million were put under severe thunderstorm watches on Thursday evening, with over 50 reports of severe weather across five states.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Portions of the Midwest and Southeast recently slammed by a deadly barrage of powerful storms and flooding are continuing recovery efforts in the wake of the disaster, but as residents try to sift through the rubble, they faced a renewed risk of severe weather on Thursday.
At least 27 people in seven states were killed due to the extreme weather, including deaths from tornadoes in Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, and fatalities from flooding in Kentucky.
Due to the threat, Severe Thunderstorm Watches were issued from Southern Illinois and Indiana through much of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.
Forecasters warned that the storms were capable of producing large hail and damaging winds, but in the town of Princeton, Indiana, a tornado was reported.
A look at tornado damage in Gibson County, Indiana. (Gibson County Sheriff's Office)
Dozens of homes appeared damaged by the storm, but fortunately there were no reports of significant injuries, according to local authorities.
Power outage tracking websites reported more than 500 outages in Gibson County, Indiana - the hardest hit region of the state.
"Considerable tree damage occurred surrounding many homes, causing downed power lines. An outbuilding was seen with collapsed walls and a broken wooden electrical pole. Several structures, including the high school and some homes, suffered roof damage," the National Weather Service office in Paducah, Kentucky, said following a storm survey of the EF-1 tornado.
Disasters declared as residents flee flooding
Watch: Frankfort, Kentucky, residents evacuate amid historic flooding
A mandatory curfew was in effect in Frankfort, Kentucky, on Sunday, as dangerous and historic flooding threatened parts of the state. Footage captured by X user @Collins_Wx shows crews from the Winchester Fire Department conducting search and rescues in a flooded street of Frankfort.
President Donald Trump approved emergency disaster declarations for Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide additional support for communities grappling with the scope of the historic disaster.
In Kentucky, the National Guard, Kentucky State Police and other state and local leaders have been working tirelessly to keep people safe and have urged residents to avoid travel if possible until all the water recedes.
At a news conference earlier this week, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said that the biggest concern was people who were still trying to travel on state roads and highways. He referenced a local news story about a person who needed to be rescued after driving around a barricade.
Video: Dock smashes into bridge while floating down flooded Kentucky River
On Sunday, as the Kentucky River in Frankfort continued to rise during extensive flooding, a video captured from the War Mothers Memorial Bridge showed a dock floating down the river, smashing into the bridge.
"When you do that, you not only put your life in danger, you put the lives of everybody who's coming to rescue you in danger," Beshear said. "We need people to wait this out."
The historic flooding that has plagued communities in the Mississippi and Ohio valleys has led to mandatory evacuations in Tennessee.
Dyer County Mayor David Quick issued mandatory evacuation orders this week for Cocklebur and surrounding communities in Bogota due to the significant flooding impacts in the community.
According to Tennessee officials, damage assessments are ongoing in the state, and Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments have been completed in 10 counties.
"The results of these assessments help determine whether the damage meets the requirements, as defined by law, for a federal major disaster declaration to be requested," officials said in an update. "A declaration is typically based on the severity and magnitude of the event, and whether the affected areas are unable to recover without external support."
Residents are asked to take photos of damage to their homes or property before cleanup efforts and note any losses.
Kentucky barbecue restaurant devastated by repeat flooding
River Road BBQ in Louisville is one of many restaurants along the Ohio River that has been badly flooded with several feet of water. This is the second time in 2025 that the restaurant has flooded. General Manager Krissy Davis joined FOX Weather to talk about their goals for reopening and clean up in the coming weeks.