Storm death toll climbs to 23 in US. floods

Missing 27-year-old found dead in Kentucky floods

The rain may have stopped, but Kentucky’s governor on Monday, April 7, 2025, warned the danger isn’t over.

This warning comes following four days of deadly storms that devastated the central U.S. with catastrophic flooding and destructive tornadoes.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said at a news conference Monday, that many roads remain flooded and some rivers and creeks are at or above flood stage.

“Do not drive through water, do not move barricades,” Beshear pleaded.

He stressed that even when water is receding, it’s still dangerous to drive.

According to Louisville Metro Emergency Services, in Louisville, Kentucky, over 60 people were evacuated on Monday from a hotel surrounded by flooded roads.

Twenty-four people have died since Wednesday from the storms, with the fatalities spanning:

• Kentucky,
• Tennessee,
• Missouri,
• Georgia,
• Arkansas,
• Mississippi and Indiana.

Five of the deaths were in Kentucky and included a 27-year-old man, Lee Chandler.

Chandler was reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters in McCracken County.

His body has since been recovered, police said on Monday.

The rainfall from these storms was historic.

More than 15 inches of rain flooded Benton, Kentucky, the most rain on record in a four-day period for the western part of the state.

Also, over 14 inches of rain inundated Arkansas and Tennessee.

Some rivers are expected to continue to rise this week.

More than 40 river gauges across the region are forecast to be in major flood stage in the coming days.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” said Michael Muller, the judge/executive in hard-hit Franklin County, Kentucky, about 30 miles outside of Lexington.

“Stay at home, help your neighbors, don’t be out if you don’t have to be out,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced a new website, Floodsmart.gov, to help people directly access flood insurance quotes.

Cameron Hamilton, senior official performing the duties of FEMA administrator, said in a statement:

“It’s quick and easy and takes just a few minutes. Insured survivors recover faster.”

“With spring flooding and hurricane season both approaching fast, it’s important to take this first step so you can better protect the life you’ve built.” he added.

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