Parts of Kentucky are facing the aftermath of intense and deadly storms that hit several states in the central United States over the weekend. Severe storms and suspected tornadoes caused at least 19 deaths, including four children, impacting areas such as Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. The storms resulted in widespread destruction, with images showing piles of rubble, damaged cars, and destroyed buildings. Over 600,000 people across 12 states were left without power as severe wind and rain downed trees and power lines.

The severe weather also led to the delay of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 by approximately four hours on Sunday afternoon. Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky declared a state of emergency as harsh storms continued to pummel parts of the state overnight, causing damage to communities. Phone lines in the Bowling Green area were knocked out, prompting police to establish alternate emergency numbers for those in need of assistance.

The National Weather Service office in Paducah announced the deployment of at least two storm survey teams on Monday to assess the damage caused by the severe weather. Two storm-related deaths were reported, one in Mercer County and another approximately 70 miles away in Louisville. As the storm system moves east on Monday, the more violent and extreme impacts are expected to diminish.

While the risk of tornadoes is lower compared to the weekend, heavy rain is anticipated to soak parts of the East Coast on Monday. Cities along the Interstate 95 corridor, from Newark, New Jersey, down to the Carolinas, may experience isolated tornadoes. Additionally, some major East Coast cities are at risk of damaging winds, while parts of the South could face record-breaking high temperatures as summer begins unofficially.

As the storm front shifts into the Eastern Seaboard by Tuesday evening, the Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service warns of an increased risk of severe thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes in various regions. Residents in areas such as the Tennessee Valley are advised to remain cautious. The Upper Mississippi Valley and Upper Great Lakes, including parts of Wisconsin, also face threats of localized flash flooding due to heavy rain through Monday morning.