Boy Dies After Being Swept Away by Floodwaters While Walking to Bus Stop, Police Say
Introduction to the Incident
Hopkinsville, Kentucky has already seen extreme flooding with more possible throughout the weekend. Severe weather in parts of the South and Midwest have killed at least nine people as of Saturday. The threats ranged from tornadoes that destroyed entire neighborhoods to extreme flash flooding. Among those who were killed include a 9-year-old boy from Kentucky.
Kentucky Boy Drowns
A 9-year-old boy from Kentucky died Friday on his way to school. He was swept away in floodwaters in Frankfort as he was walking to his bus stop around 6:30 a.m., according to Frankfort Police. Two hours later, emergency crews recovered his body, police said.
Flooding hit parts of northern Kentucky on Friday, April 4. This image was captured by Kali Sanders, the manager of Canoe Kentucky, who said that it shows severe flooding outside of her store in Frankfort. Credit: Canoe Kentucky via Storyful
Local Perspective
Frankfort County Schools Superintendent Mark Kopp confirmed the boy was a student in the school system. "We are more than a school system, we’re a family," he said, "and we share this loss together." "My heart breaks for this family," Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear said in a statement.
Digging Deeper
A 74-year-old was also killed in Kentucky’s severe flooding. The body was found Saturday inside a fully submerged vehicle in Nelson County, authorities said.
Flooding Today
More Severe Weather Expected Amid Deadly Outbreak
More severe weather is expected across the South and Midwest after the deadly storm outbreak. Krissy Hurley, the Meteorologist-In-Charge with the National Weather Service in Nashville joined LiveNOW from FOX’s Josh Breslow to break down what happens next.
By the Numbers
Since Wednesday, more than a foot of rain has now fallen in parts of Kentucky, and more than 8 inches has fallen in parts of Arkansas and Missouri, forecasters said Saturday. Hundreds of roads were impassable Friday because of high water, downed trees or mud and rock slides, and the number of closures were likely to increase with more rain Saturday, said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
What’s Next
Flash flood emergencies continued to be issued Saturday across Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, with more heavy rains and damaging winds in the mix.
What They’re Saying
Forecasters attributed the violent weather to warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear and abundant moisture streaming from the Gulf.
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Tornadoes, Severe Storms Slam America’s Heartland
A tornado outbreak is unfolding Wednesday for parts of the lower Mississippi Valley into the mid-South and lower Ohio Valley, including the threat of multiple long-track EF-3 or stronger tornadoes.
Big Picture View
Outside of Kentucky, at least seven people were killed as an outbreak of tornadoes destroyed entire neighborhoods, with more twisters possible in places this weekend. At least two reports of observed tornadoes were noted Friday evening in Missouri and Arkansas, according to the NWS.
Conclusion
The severe weather outbreak across the South and Midwest has resulted in the loss of at least nine lives, including a 9-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters while walking to his bus stop. The region is expected to experience more severe weather, with flash flood emergencies and tornadoes possible. It is essential for residents to stay informed and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
FAQs
Q: How many people have been killed in the severe weather outbreak?
A: At least nine people have been killed, including a 9-year-old boy from Kentucky.
Q: What was the cause of the 9-year-old boy’s death?
A: He was swept away by floodwaters while walking to his bus stop.
Q: Which states are expected to experience more severe weather?
A: The South and Midwest, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
Q: What is the forecast for the rest of the weekend?
A: Flash flood emergencies and tornadoes are possible, with more heavy rains and damaging winds expected.
Q: How many roads were impassable due to the flooding?
A: Hundreds of roads were impassable due to high water, downed trees, or mud and rock slides.
