Deadly Weather System Batters U.S. as Climate Pressures Mount
At least nine people have died in the latest severe winter storm to sweep across the United States, with eight fatalities reported in Kentucky alone. Torrential rains caused creeks to overflow and submerged roads, creating hazardous conditions across multiple states. Emergency crews conducted swift-water rescues as stranded motorists sought safety.
Meteorologists attribute the rapid flooding to a collision of Arctic air and unseasonably warm moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Louisville received 3 inches of rain in 24 hours – equivalent to 15% of its typical annual winter precipitation.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear cautioned residents: \"This serves as a stark reminder that weather patterns are becoming more extreme. We urge everyone to heed evacuation orders and avoid flooded roads.\"
The storm comes amid growing concerns about climate-driven weather volatility affecting global infrastructure. Similar patterns have disrupted communities from Australia's cyclone season to record snowfall in Japan's Niigata region earlier this month.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
