The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a serious alert on April 3 regarding the potential for “generational” flooding across the Southern and Midwestern United States, as intense storms moved from Texas to Michigan, resulting in tornadoes and the loss of two lives. On April 2, at least 19 tornadoes were reported, causing significant damage to homes and businesses, injuring a minimum of eight individuals, and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. The NWS indicated that this was merely the onset of a prolonged and potentially historic heavy rainfall event. States such as Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi are preparing for a significant flood event, with forecasts predicting up to 15 inches of rain in certain regions by the weekend of April 5-6, which could lead to river overflows. Consequently, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee have declared states of emergency. Additionally, the NWS has issued high-risk alerts for severe thunderstorms in parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Texas, warning of the likelihood of further tornadoes, hail, and life-threatening flooding in the days ahead.
