Kentucky Declares State of Emergency as Severe Weather System Brings Tornadoes, Flooding to US South

Earlier on Saturday, the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center issued an "enhanced risk" (Level 3 out of 5) warning for severe weather—including tornadoes, heavy snow, flash flooding and freezing rain—for the Tennessee Valley and other parts of southeast US.

New Year's day brought damaging winds, flooding, and tornado reports to several parts of eastern and western Kentucky, prompting Governor Andy Beshear to declare a State of Emergency.

"It is devastating that we are once again experiencing severe weather just weeks after the deadly tornadoes hit western Kentucky," Beshear said in a quoted statement, referring to the recent tornadoes that claimed dozens of lives. "Sadly, some counties have been affected by both of these events."

"We will continue to monitor the weather and provide needed updates. Everyone be aware, stay safe and seek shelter when advised," the Kentucky governor added.

Thornton Furniture on Cave Mill pic.twitter.com/1mFXg2i42L

— Grace Ramey (@grameyphoto) January 1, 2022

The storm system brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail and strong, sustained winds to parts of western, eastern and south-central Kentucky, according to the release.

Tornadoes in the state were also reported in Hopkinsville and Taylor County.

Good report from Hopkinsville native @NC5_AmyWatson, who posted this video a little while ago for @NC5. Compared to tornado devastation we’ve seen in neighboring cities the past few weeks, Hoptown was definitely spared. Still scary. pic.twitter.com/uZwlfEJddJ

— Chris Jung (@iamchrisjung) January 1, 2022

Reports of structural damage, downed trees, and broken telephone poles were recorded by the Taylor County sheriff's office. Local reports also detailed that rising floodwaters had prompted several water rescues in central Kentucky's Green County.

@WxStrong back side of of Hawk Landing in the Woodhill subdivision in Taylor County as the tornado formed. pic.twitter.com/Wq6cE3QWEn

— Kyle Davis (@KpatrickDAVIS) January 2, 2022

Kentucky was not the only state to be impacted by the weather system, as similar thunderstorm warnings were issued by the NWS for parts of the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.

A tornado watch has been issued for several areas in north and central Alabama, including the counties of Blount, Cullman, DeKalb, Madison, Franklin, Jackson, and Marion.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee until 3 AM EST pic.twitter.com/1EwGCHWGxD

— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) January 2, 2022

Sections of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee are also under a tornado watch until 3 a.m. ET.

An Enhanced Risk (Level 3 out of 5) of severe weather is forecast today across parts of the Southeast. Damaging winds and tornadoes, a couple of which could be strong, will be possible through early tonight, especially across the Tennessee Valley. pic.twitter.com/53fRhuzVko

— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) January 1, 2022

The agency highlighted that flash flooding, frequent lightning, severe thunderstorms, heavy wind gusts and hail may be observed through Sunday morning. The front is expected to slowly move off the east coast of the US by Monday.

Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories have been issued in a region spanning Colorado and New Mexico to eastern Michigan and Maine. The latter is estimated to get anywhere from two to eight inches of snow by Sunday morning.