A catastrophic levee failure along the Obion River has led to severe flooding in Rives, Tennessee.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency for the area, urging residents to evacuate immediately and seek higher ground.
According to Fox 9, The levee breach resulted from a powerful storm system that brought heavy rainfall to the region, causing rivers and tributaries to swell beyond their capacities.
The rapid onset of flooding caught many residents off guard, leading to emergency evacuations and rescue operations.
Local authorities reported that hundreds of people were trapped in their homes due to the sudden inundation.
In neighboring Kentucky, the same storm system proved deadly, with at least eight fatalities reported, including a child. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced the increase in deaths during a press conference, expressing concern that the number could rise as search and rescue efforts continued.
The severe weather conditions extended beyond Tennessee and Kentucky, affecting multiple states across the eastern United States.
The combination of heavy rainfall, levee breaches, and flash flooding has led to widespread damage, displacement of residents, and a significant strain on emergency response resources.
As rescue operations proceed, officials are closely monitoring weather forecasts to anticipate additional challenges.
Residents in affected areas are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to evacuation orders, and stay informed through official channels.
