Death Toll In Kentucky Rises To 14 As Severe Weather Intensifies

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Kentucky Flood Death Toll Rises

The death toll has risen to 14 this weekend after severe storms devastated Kentucky.

A large winter storm is currently moving through the southeastern United States. It has affected states such as Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Alabama and continues to make its way across the nation, with snow falling as far south as Georgia and Tennessee. However, Kentucky has been particularly hard-hit by the winter weather.

In addition to the severe drop in temperature, Kentucky has experienced extreme flooding, which has tragically claimed the lives of 12 people. This includes a mother and her seven-year-old child, whose car was swept away in Hart County.

On Tuesday, two more individuals—both appearing to be homeless—lost their lives due to hypothermia. Raising the death toll to 14.

According to NBC News, the pair succumbed to the cold.

A video released days prior to the increase in the death toll highlights the severity of the flooding. Watch below.

Extreme Weather Warning Continues

This already catastrophic winter storm is not over yet. The National Weather Service projects an additional 2 to 6 inches of snow in Kentucky.

The Governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, held a live press conference to share what the state is doing to prevent further casualties.

He warned Kentucky residents about the dangers of shoveling snow, as some individuals have lost their lives due to the strenuous activity. 

Additionally, he mentioned that temperatures are expected to drop dangerously low, stating,

“If you can’t turn your heat on by this afternoon, you need to call a family member or friend and go stay with them. If that option isn’t available, please go to an emergency shelter. The temperatures are dropping dangerously low, and we need to do everything possible to keep our neighbors safe.”

He urged residents not to drive past barriers, as the state has blocked off most of the flooded areas to protect people from potential loss of life due to flooding.

The mayor also emphasized that the extreme cold would hinder government efforts to salt the roads and advised residents to stay home if possible.

Watch his full video below.

If you would like to support the victims of the flooding, you can find out how HERE.

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Abby Griffith

Hey! Iโ€™m Abigail Griffith, but most people call me Abby. Iโ€™ve loved country music since I was a kid, singing along to George Strait in my dadโ€™s F150. With a degree in screenwriting and a decade of experience in marketing, Iโ€™m excited to write about the music I love here at Country Rebel.

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