Storm Tracker

The severe storm system impacting southeastern United States has now claimed at least 34 lives across multiple states, including Missouri, Mississippi, Kansas, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Leveraging supplies and team members already staged in Kentucky, our Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is en route to areas affected by the tornado outbreak, ready to support response efforts.

The dangerous storm system impacting southeastern United States has resulted in at least 19 fatalities across Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. Over 400 storms, including 24 confirmed tornadoes, have been reported, with Missouri experiencing significant damage and multiple fatalities. Severe weather continues to move through parts of Alabama and Mississippi. All Hands and Hearts is mobilizing its Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to support affected communities

All Hands and Hearts is closely monitoring a dangerous tornado outbreak forecasted to impact Mississippi and Alabama today, Saturday, March 15, with a rare “high risk” alert issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. Over 3 million people are in the affected area, with violent, long-track tornadoes expected. Severe weather may continue into parts of Georgia, Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle, following storms on Friday night that caused fatalities in Missouri. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, have a shelter plan and follow guidance from local authorities.

Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique’s Nampula province on March 10, with wind speeds exceeding 140 km/h and gusts up to 195 km/h. The storm affected regions in Mozambique and Malawi, resulting in nine confirmed casualties and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Humanitarian response efforts are currently strained due to ongoing recoveries from Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which struck in December and January, respectively.

Wildfires fueled by strong winds and dry conditions continue to burn across South Carolina. On Sunday, the governor declared a state of emergency as thousands evacuated. As of Monday afternoon, five major fires remain active, including a 1,600-acre blaze in the Carolina Forest area near Myrtle Beach, which remains largely uncontained. All Hands and Hearts is actively monitoring the situation as conditions evolve.

Yesterday, our team completed its first muck-and-gut on a flood-damaged home in Floyd County, marking the beginning of our on-the-ground recovery efforts. As we continue assessing the widespread damage and listening to the community’s needs, one thing is clear—this region’s resilience is unshakable.

Local partnerships have been essential in shaping our response, with invaluable insight from the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office helping us understand where aid is most needed. Sheriff John Hunt and administrative clerk Misha Curnutte have been instrumental in guiding our efforts, sharing firsthand knowledge of the storm’s impact and connecting us with those in urgent need of assistance.

We remain committed to standing alongside this community as they begin the long road to recovery.

Bryan Lafferty, Principal of The David School in David, Kentucky shared firsthand that he’s seen a wide range of impacts with some homes being submerged to widespread power outages and displacement. As we continue to respond, we remain committed to supporting his students and the community in this incredibly difficult time. Join our response efforts in Floyd County today by donating.

The flooding in Kentucky triggered a total of 30 flood warnings and 47 flash flood warnings. Over 40,000 people were left without power, and more than 300 roads were closed, cutting off access to those who were, and continue to be, most in need of assistance.

Sherry, a Kentucky resident and All Hands and Hearts team member shares her experience: “I have worked many disasters in Eastern Kentucky and know the community and people well and I can tell you now that when I talk to them, I hear the desperation and the exhaustion in their voices. The entire community was affected with this flood and many of them have never experienced the flooding before. People are living in flooded homes with no electricity.”

This marks the third catastrophic flood in five years for Floyd County, Kentucky. Each year, the flooding has grown worse. In 2022, flash floods ravaged parts of the area, but this time, the entire county is underwater, with water levels ranging from two to six feet, flooding homes and displacing hundreds. Many are still without power or heat.

Having previously supported Floyd County, Kentucky after the floods in 2022, we have many people in our communities who are affected by the flood. These areas are facing incredible hardship, and we’re on the ground working alongside our partners and VOAD to provide much-needed aid to those affected.

Severe flooding in Rives, Tennessee, prompted evacuations and a state of emergency after the Obion River overflowed, breaching a levee and leaving residents without power amid freezing temperatures. Emergency crews have been assisting affected communities, with recovery efforts underway as power is gradually restored. The National Weather Service has issued flood and winter storm warnings for the area, and local organizations are providing aid to displaced families. All Hands and Hearts continues to monitor the situation.