A huge storm system has pummeled the Midwest and South this week, killing at least 14 people and leaving a trail of destruction from Texas to Ohio. The risk may only increase in the days ahead as sustained rainfall is expected to cause widespread and potentially catastrophic floods.
The storm began to menace the region on Wednesday, when tornadoes and strong winds toppled barns, houses and power poles. Several people died in Tennessee, including a teenage girl whose modular home was destroyed by a tornado. Officials also linked a fire chief’s death in Missouri and a 9-year-old boy’s death in Kentucky to the storm.
In many communities, the focus shifted immediately to the threat of flooding. With many waterways expected to crest at major flood stage over the coming days, residents of river towns in Arkansas, Missouri and beyond were racing to fill up sandbags.
Here is a look at some of the damage:
