At Least 16 People Dead as Tornadoes, Storms Hit Central U.S.

9-Year-Old Boy Swept Away by Floodwaters as at Least 16 People Dead After Tornadoes and Storms Hit the Central U.S.

Flash flooding and severe storms spawned deadly tornadoes that affected states from Texas to Ohio

Published on April 6, 2025 07:47AM EDT

Floodwaters inundate homes and vehicles in Shannon Hills, Ark., Saturday, April 5, 2025, as a second day of storms brought widespread flooding to the region. — Floodwaters in Arkansas. Photo:
Colin Murphey/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP

At least 16 people have been killed in the South and Midwest in recent days amid severe weather that included heavy rains and flooding as well as tornadoes, according to officials and multiple news outlets.

The National Weather Service warned of destabilizing flooding in multiple states, according to the Associated Press and Fox Weather; and as of Sunday, April 6, tornado warnings had been issued in Alabama and Mississippi while flash flood warnings were in place across several counties in Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Authorities said there have been at least 16 weather-related deaths, with 10 of those taking place in Tennessee.

The latest death was a 74-year-old driver, who was found dead in their vehicle in Boston, Ky., on April Saturday, 5, Fox Weather reported.

Parked vehicles along Belvedere Street are stranded by flooding as heavy rain falls, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. — Storm in Kentucky.
Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian via AP

The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the tragedy in a Facebook post.

“Please do not try to cross flooded roadways. The end result does not outweigh the risk. Turn around, don’t drown is more than a saying, it’s the difference between life and death," officials wrote.

On Friday, April 4, a 9-year-old boy — who has been identified as Gabriel Andrews — was found dead in Frankfort, Ky., after being swept away by floodwaters while walking to a school bus stop, local station WKYT reported.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"We are deeply saddened at this horrific tragedy that claimed the life of one of our students," Franklin County Schools Superintendent Mark Kopp said in a news conference, according to the BBC.

A 5-year-old was found dead at a home in Little Rock, Ark., in a weather-related incident, officials said in a statement on Saturday.

The aftermath of heavy rainfall has left several neighborhoods underwater. Roads are impassable, homes are surrounded by rising water, and residents are doing what they can to protect their families and belongings. Please avoid flooded areas if possible and allow emergency crews and city workers the space they need to assist those affected. If you or someone you know needs help, contact local emergency services or your County non-emergency line for assistance. — Storm in Texas.
Cameron County Constable/Facebook

Forecasters have said that swollen rivers will continue to pose a danger, even when the rain stops. There is also an enhanced risk of tornadoes from eastern Texas to western Tennessee due to changes in pressure and high winds, according to the BBC.

Amid the storms, more than 162,000 people were without power in parts of Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma, per the outlet.

The extreme weather has also destroyed several homes and caused significant damage to structures, Fox Weather reported.