Updated Apr 3, 2025 - Science

In photos: Deadly storm system slams U.S. South and Midwest

Rebecca Falconer

Parishioners and community members look over damage after a tornado struck the Christ Community Church on April 3, 2025 in Paducah, Kentucky. — People look at damage after a tornado struck the Christ Community Church on April 3 in Paducah, Kentucky. The storm system is "set to stall for the next few days as a building upper-level ridge over the Southeast keeps it stationary," per the National Weather Service. Photo: Michael Swensen/Getty Images

A powerful multi-day storm system that's lashing the U.S. South and Midwest has killed at least seven people as it unleashes tornadoes and flooding rains.

The big picture: The storm that ramped up Wednesday has brought a "life-threatening, catastrophic," flash flood event to the Lower Ohio Valley and Mid-South. The National Weather Service said more "significant severe weather" was "expected from the Mid-South through the Ozarks and ArkLaTex," with "very large hail and strong tornadoes possible."

A screenshot of Nashville first responders on dinghies on flooded streets responding to storm emergencies, saying in part: "Our crews have been working tirelessly in response to the storm. From 6am - 1pm, NFD Special Operations division responded to 15 water related calls, 2 HazMat calls." — Parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas were the most at risk for possibly widespread life-threatening flash flooding on the night of April 3 before the high-risk area shifts west slightly the following day. Screenshot: Nashville Fire Department, Tenn./ X

Structural damage is visible at Christ Community Church after a tornado struck on April 3, 2025, in Paducah, Kentucky. — Structural damage at Christ Community Church after the tornado struck. The storm's focus on April 3 has been the Lower Ohio Valley into the Mid-South and Lower Mississippi Valley. The storm's High Risks of Excessive Rainfall (level 4/4) are in effect through April 6. Photo: Michael Swensen/Getty Images

Downed trees and heavy structure damage are seen after tornadoes moved through the area on April 03, 2025 in Selmer, Tennessee. At least 5 people were reportedly killed during the severe storm which caused widespread destruction across the region. — Downed trees and heavy structure damage are seen after tornadoes moved through Selmer, Tennessee, on April 3. At least five people have died in storms this week in the state. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

Floodwater from Whites Creek carries debris over a pedestrian bridge on the Fontanel greenway, Nashville. — Floodwater from Whites Creek carries debris over a pedestrian bridge on the Fontanel greenway in Nashville, Tenn., where Axios Nashville reports flooding rains have inundated the city, resulting in temporary road closures. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

A driver walks with a police officer after their car is swamped by standing floodwater beneath the B-Line Trail on West Third Street. A torrential downpour from a severe thunderstorm passed through the city. — A driver walks with a police officer after their car is swamped by standing floodwater beneath the B-Line Trail on West Third Street, Bloomington, Indiana, on April 2 during a torrential downpour from a severe thunderstorm that passed through the city. At least one storm-related death has been reported in the state. Photo: Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

A screenshot of a Missouri State Patrol tweet, showing storm-damaged structures and vehicles, saying in part: " MSHP Troop F @MSHPTrooperF · Apr 3 🚨Significant Damage In Pilot Grove🚨 Troopers are responding to multiple structures being severely damaged and vehicles overturned in Pilot Grove." — The scene in Missouri, where at least one storm-related death has been reported. Whitewater Fire Protection District chief Garry Moore died after responding to a presumed tornado, per a Facebook post from the fire department. "Chief Moore observed a vehicle off the roadway and stopped to assess the incident and render aid if needed," the post says. "A short time later, Chief Moore was found unconscious at the scene." Screenshot: Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F/X

A screenshot of the Tennessee governor's tweet showing him visiting storm-damaged areas, saying in part: "Middle & West Tennesseans face a long road to recovery amid continued severe weather, & there is great hope in seeing how communities are coming together to serve their neighbors." — Screenshot: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee/X

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Editor's note: This a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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In photos: Deadly storm system slams U.S. South and Midwest

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