Updated Apr 7, 2025 - Science

In photos: Midwest, South lashed by days of deadly storms

Rebecca Falconer

A boy looks out from a parking garage as two people on take a boat into the flood waters on April 6, 2025 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Frankfort is expected to experience record flooding as the Kentucky River continues to rise. — A boat ventures into the flood waters Sunday in Frankfort, Kentucky, where a curfew was in effect from 8pm local time to 6am Monday. Frankfort was expected to experience record flooding as the Kentucky River continued to rise. Photo: Michael Swensen/Getty Images

A "significant" extreme weather system that's lashed the U.S. South and Midwest for days was shifting through the Southeast on Sunday — with forecasters warning of more severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding threats.

The big picture: The National Weather Service said severe weather concerns would persist into Monday across portions of the Southeast from the storm system that's killed at least 18 people since it ramped up Wednesday, with officials in Tennessee confirming 10 storm-related deaths as of Sunday.

This aerial view shows damage left by a reported tornado in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, on April 6, 2025 — An aerial view of damage left by a reported tornado in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, on Sunday. The NWS Weather Prediction Center said there was a moderate risk of excessive rainfall across areas of central and southern Alabama and a broader slight risk across adjacent areas of the interior of the Southeast and the central Gulf Coast region going into Sunday night. Photo: Leandro Lozada/AFP via Getty Images

John Clayton, 56, carries his cat in a kayak as the Kentucky River begins to flood his house on April 6, 2025 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Frankfort, Kentucky is expected to experience record flooding as the Kentucky River continues to rise. — John Clayton, 56, carries his cat in a kayak as the Kentucky River floods his house Sunday in Frankfort, Kentucky. The storms had killed at least two people in the state, said Gov. Andy Beshear in a video posted to his social media account. Photo: Michael Swensen/Getty Images

A Missouri Highway Patrol tweet showing flooding, with the caption: "Flood waters might be receding, but don't let your guard down! Never drive into moving water—it only takes a few inches to sweep away a vehicle. Stay safe and wait until roads are clear. #FloodSafety #TurnAroundDontDrown" — Officials in Missouri announced the deaths of a Franklin County firefighter and the Whitewater Fire Protection District chief. Both were responding to storm emergency calls. Screenshot: Missouri Highway Patrol Group I/X

Crews are actively clearing debris, downed trees, and standing water from roadways to ensure safe travel across Little Rock, Arkansas. — Crews in Little Rock, Arkansas, clear downed trees. A 5-year-old boy died in connection to severe weather, the Arkansas Department of Public Safety said Saturday in an online post. Photo: City of Little Rock/Facebook

: Pendleton County Search and Rescue take county electricians on a boat to turn off an electrical box in a flooded park on April 5, 2025 in Falmouth, Kentucky. Falmouth, Kentucky is expected to experience record flooding as the Licking River continues to rise. — Pendleton County Search and Rescue take electricians on a boat to turn off an electrical box in a flooded park Saturday in Falmouth, Kentucky, as the Licking River continues to rise. Record flooding of Kentucky rivers has prompted evacuations in several counties. Photo: Michael Swensen/Getty Images

Downed trees and structure damage are seen after tornadoes moved through the area on April 03, 2025 in Selmer, Tennessee. — Tornadoes downed trees and damaged structures Thursday as they moved through the Selmer, Tennessee, area. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

Observed rainfall amounts the past four days over the Mid-South and Ohio Valley, with Benton, Ky., receiving the most at 15.9". — Rainfall amounts during the past four days over the Mid-South and Ohio Valley. "The heaviest rain has exited these areas, but widespread and exceedingly rare major river flooding will continue through mid week," per the NWS Weather Prediction Center. Screenshot: WPC/X

Go deeper: Rainstorms are getting more intense amid climate change

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more photos and information on the storm system.

Add Axios on Google

In photos: Midwest, South lashed by days of deadly storms

What to read next