Kansas city: Flash flood threats spread across large parts of the eastern and southern United States following deadly flooding in Missouri, which resulted in one fatality and over 350 rescues. Meanwhile, record heat continued to affect the western regions.
According to Anadolu Agency, flood watches remain in effect from Tennessee to Kentucky and across West Virginia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Slow-moving storms are forecasted to bring heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are also predicted for parts of Georgia and the Carolinas.
The severe weather comes after catastrophic flooding in Missouri, where authorities conducted over 350 rescues across three counties. Around 100 of these were swift-water rescues, while National Guard helicopters airlifted 168 teenagers and 60 adults from the flooded Camp Taum Sauk. The area was inundated with over 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) of rain.
Officials reported that some residents remain stranded due to washed-away roads. Several campers near the Black River were rescued after seeking shelter on a building's roof, which later collapsed. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
A missing woman, Faith Gregory, was found deceased about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) downstream from her home in Crawford County. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency and warned of additional heavy rainfall. Officials urged residents to avoid driving through floodwaters, noting that over half of flood-related deaths in the state involve vehicles.
In the western US, extreme heat persists, with temperatures exceeding 100 F (37.8 C) across much of the Intermountain West and surpassing 110 F (43.3 C) in parts of Montana and Wyoming. Salt Lake City reached a preliminary 109 F (42.8 C), while Billings, Montana, recorded 111 F (43.9 C), both setting new all-time highs. Miles City, Montana, hit a preliminary 115 F (46.1 C), breaking its previous record.
Forecasters have warned that hot, dry, and windy conditions are raising wildfire risks in parts of the Northwest. The heat is expected to move into the Midwest and Northeast early this week.