Kayaker Navigates Downtown Cincinnati Floods

The death toll continued to rise Friday in the wake of dangerous flooding and the aftermath of a relentless tornado outbreak that tore through parts of the South and Midwest, leaving communities in ruins.

At least 33 million people are under flood watches across 11 states as the National Weather Service sounds the alarm for a high flash flooding risk lasting the next several days.

You can get the latest forecast here

Preliminary tornado damage assessments have confirmed at least three EF3 tornadoes formed as part of this outbreak: Potosi, Missouri; Selmer, Tennessee; and Lake City, Arkansas. That number could rise as more surveys get underway, though officials are battling continued storms as they work.

The Heartland has been filled with heartbreak in the aftermath, as rescuers search the rubble and dazed survivors pick through what is left of their homes and lives. At least eight deaths are connected to the storms, including a student who was swept away by floodwaters while walking to his school bus stop Friday morning in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Five deaths happened in Tennessee, which appears to be one of the hardest-hit states. Missouri and Indiana each confirmed one death so far.

Survivor Hosea Cabrera says he feels lucky to be alive after being tossed through the air by a tornado. "It woke me up, and then it hit the trailer," Cabrera told the Tennessean. "It threw me up in it. I went flying. Then it slammed me into the ground."

His neighbor did not survive.

As the full scope of the devastation becomes clear, you can help by donating to relief efforts at redcross.org/theweatherchannel.

Read on for our live updates as the storms unfolded Thursday:

(05:27 p.m. EDT) Here's What To Watch For Overnight Into Tomorrow

From weather.com digital meteorologist Sara Tonks:

The main concern for tonight's forecast isn't severe weather like it was last night - tonight the main threat is heavy rain and flash flooding, especially in the mid-South from Arkansas into western Kentucky, where some areas have already received over 5 inches of rain in the past 24 hours, and another 5 inches could fall in the next 24 hours. Dozens of river gauges are expected to reach major flood stage.

A severe weather threat is still present from the Southern Plains into the mid-Atlantic, and overnight tornadoes, including some that are EF2 or stronger, are possible from Texas into Tennessee, including some of the area at a high risk of flash flooding and excessive rainfall.

(04:59 p.m. EDT) Update From The National Weather Service In Indianapolis

According to a social media post a short time ago from the NWS in Indianapolis:

"Our survey team has found EF1 tornado damage in Carmel. The survey will continue to the northeast of that point on Friday."

Carmel is a suburb of Indianapolis.

The NWS also found EF2 damage near Brownsburg, Indiana, about 20 miles southwest of Carmel.

(04:48 p.m. EDT) Cars Stranded On Flooded Roads Near Memphis

Fresh reports of flooding are coming in from Germantown, Tennessee, on the southeast side of Memphis.

Cars are stranded in several spots, including one area where water estimated at 4 feet deep is covering a roadway.

(04:41 p.m. EDT) Should You Open Your Windows During A Tornado Warning?

There was a time when it was regularly recommended to open a home's windows during a tornado. The idea was that this would equalize pressure in the house to keep it from "exploding." But as weather.com senior meteorologist Chris Dolce wrote in an article last year, it was all just a myth.

High winds and flying debris are what cause damage. Plus, Dolce added, you'd be wasting precious time opening windows instead of getting to safety.

Read more of Dolce's tornado myth busters here.

(04:30 p.m. EDT) No School Tomorrow For Some Tennessee Students

Schools in the following Middle Tennessee districts have announced closures or virtual learning due to the threat of severe weather tomorrow: Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Robertson and Stewart.

(04:00 p.m. EDT) Survey Team Finds Estimated EF3 Tornado Damage In Arkansas, Tennessee

A preliminary survey by the National Weather Service in Memphis gives an EF3 rating to tornadoes that caused major damage in Lake City, Arkansas, and Selmer, Tennessee, last night.

The tornado in Lake City is estimated to have had maximum winds of 150 mph, while the one in Selmer had winds estimated at 160 mph.

Those ratings could change with further analysis, but ongoing storms forced crews to stop work today.

Tornadoes are rated from 0 to 5 based on the type of damage they cause, under guidelines laid out in the Enhanced Fujita Scale.

(03:50 p.m. EDT) Dozens Of Roads Already Closed In Kentucky

From an update posted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which oversees state roads:

"With all the rain the storms are projected to bring in the next few days, the risk of high water is already making its impact felt. We are currently at over 40 roads closed statewide!"

(03:25 p.m. EDT) Double Threat For Memphis Right Now

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

Parts of Memphis are under both a severe thunderstorm warning and a flash flood warning. Gusty winds and heavy rain moving through.

(03:08 p.m. EDT) We're In The Most Dangerous Time Of Year For Tornadoes

With the onset of April, we've hit the start of what are statistically the three most dangerous months of the year for tornadoes.

Not only do April, May and June typically produce the most tornadoes in a given year, they also produce the most violent tornadoes.

The three states with the highest number of tornadoes per year are, in order from highest to lowest: Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma.

(02:53 p.m. EDT) There's Now A High Risk Threat Tomorrow, Too

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

We've now got three days of high risk flooding ahead of us – today, tomorrow and Saturday.

The forecast for tomorrow was just increased to a high risk.

(02:46 p.m. EDT) Indiana Activates National Guard

Gov. Mike Braun is deploying National Guard personnel to help assist with storm cleanup in the Hoosier state.

Several communities were affected by the storms, including areas in the central part of the state around Indianapolis.

(02:32 p.m. EDT) Cleanup Begins In Arkansas

Crews in Lake City, Arkansas, are clearing debris and ensuring driver safety on Highways 18 and 135 after Wednesday's storm. Stay alert if you're in the area.

(02:19 p.m. EDT) A Prolific Day Of Warnings, With Key Caveats

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

The 24-hour period ending Thursday at 8 a.m. EDT had the third most combined severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service of any such period in over 39 years, according to data from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet. NWS issued a whopping 728 such warnings Wednesday into early Thursday morning.

Only the April 27, 2011 Super Outbreak and the May 30, 2004 outbreaks had more such warnings issued in 24 hours.

While that deserves kudos to the hard-working staff at the NWS, there are some caveats to this factoid.

The number of warnings issued doesn’t necessarily match the number and intensity of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in any outbreak. Not all warnings verify with an actual tornado, large hail or severe thunderstorm wind gusts or damage.

Furthermore, this data only extends back to 1986 and is, thus, heavily weighted toward modern day events. If technology like Doppler radar, the internet, smartphones and social media existed in past decades, the April 1974 Super Outbreak would have certainly ranked near the top of this list of most warned 24-hour periods.

Once NWS damage surveys have been completed, we can compare and contrast the number and estimated intensity of the actual tornadoes to outbreaks such as the Pi Day outbreak about three weeks ago, which spawned over 110 tornadoes, 44 of which were strong (EF2 or stronger).

(02:02 p.m. EDT) Devastation In Arkansas, Kentucky

(01:47 p.m. EDT) Thunderstorms Starting To Re-Energize

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

Thunderstorms are starting to re-energize near a stalled front from the Ohio Valley through the mid-South into Texas. Areas from eastern Arkansas to western Tennessee to Kentucky are likely to see heavier rainfall from here on into the evening. That will worsen any flooding already ongoing and could lead to additional flash flooding in areas that haven't experienced it yet.

(01:39 p.m. EDT) Federal Emergency Declaration Approved For Tennessee

The White House approved an emergency declaration for Tennessee, paving the way for federal assistance with debris removal, recovery and other related needs.

(01:24 p.m. EDT) Flying Today? Check With Your Airline First.

United Airlines is waiving change fees and warning passengers of possible delays due to weather today and/or tomorrow at airports in cities including:

• Nashville
• Cincinnati
• Washington
• Dallas
• Oklahoma City
• Louisville

Some of those locations are already reporting multiple cancellations or delays today, so it's important to check with your airline before heading to the airport.

(12:57 p.m. EDT) Seven Deaths Are Now Connected To The Storms

Two more deaths are being blamed on this outbreak of severe weather. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency announced a fifth death there, in Carroll County, but didn't immediately release additional information.

A death was also announced in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. The victim was a 68-year-old man named Garry Moore. Details on his death are still being confirmed, but Moore was chief of the Whitewater Fire Protection District. The area is in the southeast portion of the state.

(12:51 p.m. EDT) Latest Updates To Today's Outlook

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has just updated today's outlook with minor tweaks. Another night with a focus on Memphis, but this severe weather threat also extends to Nashville to the northeast and to the Ark-La-Tex to the southwest. The most likely timing for severe weather tonight focuses on an hour or two either side of sunset this evening. The axis for the worst flooding is only 50-75 miles to the north of this tornado risk area.

(12:34 p.m. EDT) Rare, ‘High Risk’ Flood Outlooks Issued

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce:

NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has issued rare “high risk” excessive rainfall outlooks on two separate days through the weekend. When a high risk is issued, severe and widespread flash flooding is expected. Many high risk days in the past have turned out to be deadly and destructive flood events.

One of those high risk threats is through tonight from northeast Arkansas to western Tennessee and southwest Kentucky. The other is for another slug of heavy rain Saturday and Saturday night in nearly the same area, as seen in the post from X below.

(12:18 p.m. EDT) A Weird Coincidence

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

When we first saw imagery of damage in Brownsburg, Indiana, and near Louisville, it triggered memories for some of us of the damage to the Dollar Tree warehouse in Marietta, Oklahoma, from an EF4 tornado last April 27.

In a strange coincidence, this morning, a semi was blown over by strong thunderstorm winds on Interstate 35 in Marietta, Oklahoma, basically the exact location of the warehouse damaged by the tornado last April.

(11:59 a.m. EDT) Photos Reveal Storm Damage In Kentucky

Following raging storms that tore through Kentucky, the full extent of the damage has begun to come into view - especially in hard-hit Jeffersontown.

(11:42 a.m. EDT) Death Toll Rises To Five

Another death is being reported in Tennessee. That brings the total there to four. One person also is confirmed dead in Indiana.

Two of the victims in Tennessee are a 48-year-old man and his 16-year-old daughter, both killed when a tree fell on their home this morning in Fayette County, east of Memphis.

The other Tennessee deaths happened further east in McNairy County and to the north in Obion County.

The person killed in Indiana died after coming into contact with power lines in the community of Danville.

(11:30 a.m. EDT) Here's Where Things Stand On Power Outages

These are the states with the highest number of homes and business without electricity right now, according to PowerOutage.us:

• Michigan (note some of these are ongoing from an ice storm over the weekend) - 114,855 outages.
• Indiana - 71,190
• Ohio - 36,912

Each outage can represent multiple people, businesses or housing units on one account.

(11:20 a.m. EDT) Update On Today’s Tornado Threat

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce: The greatest chance of supercells that could produce damaging hail and tornadoes later today is from the ArkLaTex through Arkansas and western Tennessee (red-shaded area below), including some of the same areas that were hit yesterday or overnight. How much of a tornado threat there will be is somewhat uncertain and will depend on if supercells that form stay south of a stalled front, where there is adequate unstable air.

(11:10 a.m. EDT) Water Rescues Ongoing In Nashville

Nashville Fire crews are conducting multiple water rescues after overnight storms caused severe flooding, submerging streets and surrounding homes. Footage posted to social media shows first responders moving through rushing water, with floodwaters reaching the front doors of homes in some areas.

Officials are urging residents to stay home and avoid flooded roads.

(10:56 a.m. EDT) Surveying The Wreckage In Brownsburg, Indiana

From weather.com senior writer Chris DeWeese:

Two workers at a Sur La Table distribution center in Brownsburg, Indiana, were injured as a radar-confirmed tornado swept through the area yesterday evening, according to a company spokesperson.

Emergency crews worked for several hours to free a worker who became trapped at the distribution center after the roof and a wall collapsed, according to the Associated Press.. “It was just heavy debris that had fallen on top of her,” Brownsburg Fire Department spokesperson Kamrick Holding told WTHR-TV. “She happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.” After her rescue, the woman was conscious and talking, but her current condition is not known.

Today, the National Weather Service will survey the damage in order to ascertain what rating to give the tornado that passed through there.

(10:45 a.m. EDT) Nashville Picks Up An “April’s Worth” Of Rain In 12 Hours

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

Flash flood warning has been extended for Nashville metro until noon local time.

There are some areas of locally heavy rain still lingering, particularly in the eastern half of the metro area. Parts of the metro have picked up 3 to 5 inches of rain since last night. That's about an "April's worth" of rain in 12 hours. Nashville averages 4.72 inches of rain in April.

(10:33 a.m. EDT) “Generational Flooding” And What That Means

From weather.com digital meteorologist Briana Waxman:

The National Weather Service is sounding the alarm about a “catastrophic flooding threat” for parts of the Central U.S. in the coming days that could bring “generational flooding.” When meteorologists refer to “generational flooding,” they’re describing a flood event so severe that it may only happen once in a generation — often 20 to 30 years or more. These floods typically set or challenge long-standing records and can cause widespread, lasting impacts to communities, infrastructure and the environment. It’s a term used to convey not just the scale of water involved, but also the rarity and historical significance of the event. Simply put, it’s the kind of flood people may talk about for generations to come.

(10:16 a.m. EDT) One Death Confirmed In Indiana

A 27-year-old man in Danville, Indiana died after coming into contact with downed power lines during the severe storms. Hendricks County deputies found several power lines blocking the road and a burning vehicle nearby, according to local media. After power was shut off, responders reached the man, pronouncing him dead at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

(10:02 a.m. EDT) A Chilling Anniversary

From weather.com senior writer Chris DeWeese:

In the meteorologist world, April 3-4 is forever associated with the nation's foremost, historic "Super Outbreak," which occurred in an era before Doppler radar, smartphones, social media and the extremely timely warnings we’re accustomed to today.

It happened on April 3, 1974, 51 years ago today. In just 24 hours, a rash of 148 tornadoes tore though parts of 13 states and Ontario, Canada. Thirty of these tornadoes were rated at least F4. Six of those 30 violent tornadoes were rated F5, the most intense tornadoes in the Fujita (now Enhanced Fujita) scale.

At one time, 15 tornadoes were simultaneously in progress. Many of those tornadoes moved at forward speeds of 50 mph or more.

The human cost of this storm was massive, with forty-eight tornadoes claiming 335 lives. Over 6,000 people were injured. The total damage was estimated to be $1.5 billion. As senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman explains, the “Super Outbreak” also spurred sorely needed improvements in both severe weather forecasting and safety.

(09:51 a.m. EDT) Third Most Tornado Warnings In An April Day

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce:

The National Weather Service issued 208 tornado warnings yesterday, according to an Iowa State University database. That’s the third most in the month of April dating to 1986, only behind two days in the April 2011 Super Outbreak. Not all the areas in yesterday’s warnings saw tornadoes, but the number of warnings issued shows how many thunderstorms exhibited rotation to prompt one.

(09:39 a.m. EDT) Officials Search Wreckage In Tennessee

Highway Patrol teams are braving dangerous conditions to search for survivors amid tornadoes, storms and flooding in Middle and West Tennessee. Footage posted to social media shows first responders combing through wrecked homes near the city of Selmer, while power storms continue in the region.

(09:27 a.m. EDT) On The Ground In Lake City, Arkansas

Meteorologist Justin Michaels is on the ground in Lake City, Arkansas, where at least one tornado caused “total destruction” to several homes. He explains why flooding will be a major concern in the hours ahead.

(09:11 a.m. EDT) Schools Close In McCracken County, Arkansas

McCracken County Public Schools announced students will be kept home today due to ongoing severe weather and complications from widespread power outages.

Officials say the at-home instruction day will allow time for damage assessment across the district.

(08:58 a.m. EDT) Tornado Reports Update

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce:

More storm reports have been streaming in from the National Weather Service for damage that has occurred in the Plains, Midwest and South

Since Tuesday night, this outbreak has produced more than 30 reports of tornadoes. That’s not the actual tornado count for the event since that will likely be higher once the National Weather Service has a chance to survey damage, which will take days. For example, the map below shows no reported tornadoes in Indiana, but some of the damage in the state was caused by suspected twisters.

(08:44 a.m. EDT) Storm Siren Damaged By Possible Lightning

A storm siren in Indiana was damaged during the severe weather outbreak, possibly by a lightning strike, according to officials from the Evansville/Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency. Communications with the siren were lost and it had to be manually disabled.

Despite this, authorities say the area is still protected by overlapping coverage from nearby sirens.

(08:30 a.m. EDT) Strong Language From NOAA

From this morning's NOAA Weather Prediction Center forecast discussion:

“This is a catastrophic, potentially historic heavy rainfall and flash flood event, with some locations potentially seeing rainfall amounts as high as 10-15"+ through the weekend. The additional rounds of heavy rainfall each day will also raise the risk of catastrophic river flooding from western Kentucky into northwest Tennessee, and widespread significant river flooding from the Ozarks/ArkLaTex through the Lower Ohio Valley. Communities in the region should prepare for possible long duration and severe disruptions to daily life.”

(08:19 a.m. EDT) Third Death Confirmed In Tennessee

Emergency officials in Fayette County, Tennessee say one person is dead and several others are injured after a tornado tore through the area, flipping a modular home. First responders transported three people to the hospital.

The tornado struck at around 1:42 a.m. local time. The Sheriff’s Office began receiving 911 calls just four minutes later.

(08:11 a.m. EDT) Frightening Footage From Lake City, Arkansas

Several clips out of Lake City, Arkansas show a massive tornado as it barreled through the area.

Comments on social media said the storm looked like something out of The Wizard of Oz.

We’ll have to wait for damage surveys to conclude to know the twister’s exact strength.

(07:59 a.m. EDT) Ongoing Severe Weather Complicates Surveys

From the National Weather Service Office in Memphis:

“With more severe weather and increasing flooding the next few days, we are not able to immediately survey all the damage, as our focus will remain on warning operations. We are planning to deploy teams today to assess significant damage and any areas with fatalities. Survey details will be shared throughout the day."

(07:42 a.m. EDT) Water Rising In Nashville

Early morning photos from emergency services in Nashville show rising water reaching dangerous levels.

There are reports of homes and cars submerged. Officials say they’ve received calls for flood help throughout the Nashville suburbs and across Davidson County.

(07:30 a.m. EDT) How Much Rain Has Fallen So Far

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce: The flood threat is still in its early stages, but anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rain has fallen so far, with localized amounts up to 6 inches, from southern Arkansas to parts of Tennessee and Kentucky. In the Memphis and Nashville metro areas, totals have topped 4 inches and 3 inches, respectively. Before it’s all said and done Sunday, totals in parts of mid-South and Ohio Valley regions will reach double digits.

(07:22 a.m. EDT) Words You Should Know Today: Flash Flood Emergency

A flash flood emergency is the most urgent flooding alert the National Weather Service can issue, signaling imminent danger to life and property. It’s only used in extreme situations, like rapidly rising water trapping people in their homes, major river flooding or catastrophic dam failures.

If one is issued in your area, you should move to higher ground immediately and avoid travel unless evacuating.

Learn more about flash flood emergencies here.

(07:07 a.m. EDT) Two Deaths In Tennessee

Severe storms in Tennessee have claimed two lives, with one fatality reported in McNairy County and another in Obion County.

State officials say they are responding to major damage in Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy counties, where downed trees and debris have made some roads impassable. A press release this morning stated that Tennessee Emergency Management personnel were on the ground, coordinating with local officials amid ongoing severe weather and flooding threats.

(06:57 a.m. EDT) Flooding Increasing In Nashville Metro

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

Local media is reporting 2 feet of water in Nashville’s Wedgewood Neighborhood, and also multiple vehicles stuck on Lester Avenue and Murfreesboro Pike on the city’s southeast side.

Numerous roads have also been closed due to flooding in Sumner County, northeast of Nashville, according to the National Weather Service. Some of these areas picked up 2 to 3 inches of rain in just 3 hours early this morning. Flash flood warnings are in effect for the metro area until 11:45 a.m. local time.

(06:45 a.m. EDT) Tornadoes Hit Tennessee, Mississippi

Overnight photos show some of the devastation from two large tornadoes near the Tennessee-Mississippi border.

You can see debris littering the streets and structures completely exposed. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said troopers were working to clear roads made impassable by the damage.

(06:34 a.m. EDT) The Nature Of This Event Is Changing

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

Wednesday was dominated by severe thunderstorms, some spawning destructive tornadoes in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys.

While severe thunderstorms, including a few tornadoes, are still possible the next several days, this event is transitioning to as much of a flood danger as a severe thunderstorm threat. That’s because the frontal system is now stalling out.

Notice the number of flash flood warnings in effect right now in Tennessee, including the Nashville metro area. That’s a harbinger of what we’ll see into the weekend.

(06:20 a.m. EDT) Close To Home

One of the overnight tornadoes passed within 1,000 feet of one of our meteorologists in Indiana.

From Robb Ellis (who is safe): “Power poles snapped, sheet metal warehouse ripped apart and strung in the trees and powerlines. No damage to my property thankfully. But it was EXTREMELY close.”

Robb took photos of the aftermath in his neighborhood showing power lines down and a truck caught in the damage.

(06:11 a.m. EDT) Notable Impacts So Far

The full scope of the overnight devastation is still unfolding, but a few shocking impacts have already caught the attention of our meteorologists:

• A 100 mph measured wind gust near Eaton, IN (Delaware County)
• "Barn blown into a house" near Mill Grove, IN (Blackford County)
• 27 reports of tornadoes since Tuesday night (though the number will likely be much higher as damage surveys are conducted)
• At least 12 injury reports sent to the National Weather Service from Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana

(05:58 a.m. EDT) Hundreds Of Warnings

The National Weather Service has issued more than 700 warnings in less than 24 hours, including severe thunderstorm, tornado and flash flood warnings.

The warnings have spanned much of the country, reaching as far south as Texas, north into Wisconsin and Michigan, and even as far east as Pennsylvania.

Dozens more watches and advisories are also in place.

(05:40 a.m. EDT) Widespread Power Outages

Power outages are crippling several states in the wake of these storms. According to PowerOutage.us, more than 100,000 homes and businesses are in the dark in Michigan and Indiana. In Ohio, at least 80,000 customers are without power, while thousands more are dealing with outages in Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Kentucky.

Crews are working around the clock to restore services, but ongoing severe weather and flooding are making repairs dangerous and difficult.