Tornado/Flooding - April '25 🌪 🌊
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Updated 4/5/2025 at 0800 CST:
This past week, powerful storms system unleashed severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, across the central United States, impacting multiple states from Texas to the Midwest. The system resulted in significant destruction, loss of life, and displacement of residents.Reuters
The Heartland has once again been targeted and now that the threat of tornadoes has been reduced, flooding is a major concern for communities in Kentucky like Hopkinsville. Assessments are taking place at this time and we have already and will continue to see a strong response from national partners to support these communities. All will be listed as available through the map and Information resources below.
Communities Impacted:
Tennessee: The town of Selmer was directly hit by a powerful tornado, resulting in extensive destruction. Additionally, the state faced severe flooding, with rainfall amounts exceeding 10-15 inches in some areas. The Guardian
Kentucky: The state faced severe flooding, with rainfall amounts exceeding 10-15 inches in some areas. A 9-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being swept away by floodwaters near Frankfort. AP News
Arkansas: The state experienced devastating tornadoes and torrential rains, leading to widespread flooding. Lake City was notably affected by a large, multiple-vortex tornado, prompting emergency declarations. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Missouri: Communities such as Nevada and Pilot Grove suffered significant tornado damage. In Pilot Grove, an EF2 tornado destroyed a manufactured home and caused extensive property damage. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Tennessee
Impacted Communities:
Selmer (McNairy County): Devastated by a tornado; multiple structures destroyed.
Hardin County (Savannah): Floodwaters closed roads and damaged homes.
Chester County and Henderson: Extensive wind and tree damage.
Jackson: Base of operations for regional response.
Disaster Relief Efforts in Selmer, TN:
In response to the devastation in Selmer, several disaster relief organizations have mobilized to assist affected residents:
Mercy Chefs: This faith-based organization has partnered with local entities in Selmer to offer hot, nutritious meals to victims and first responders. Mercy Chefs
Hope Force International: Preparing to respond to the catastrophic tornadoes and flooding across the Midwest and Southern U.S., including areas like Selmer, by mobilizing trained volunteers to assist in relief operations. Hope Force
The Salvation Army: Personnel from the Jackson, TN Corps have been on the ground in Selmer, providing meals and support to those impacted by the tornadoes. salarmyeds.org
Community Foundation of West Tennessee: Activated its Disaster Relief Fund to support residents affected by the storms, collaborating with local governments and community agencies to aid recovery efforts. WBBJ TV
Samaritan's Purse is actively serving the community - Details
Kentucky
Impacted Communities:
Frankfort: Flash flooding; a child swept away by floodwaters.
Floyd and Knott Counties: Significant home flooding and power outages.
Prestonsburg and Hazard: Road closures and infrastructure impacts.
Relief Efforts:
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers – In Knott and Floyd Counties.
Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief – Flood cleanup teams deployed.
Governor's Office – Disaster Unemployment Assistance available.
Red Cross shelters – Open in eastern KY.
Arkansas
Impacted Communities:
Lake City: Hit by a large, multiple-vortex tornado.
Cave City: Widespread storm damage.
Melbourne, Pocahontas, Diaz: Tornado touchdowns and flooding.
Hardy and Evening Shade: Damage to homes and infrastructure.
Relief Efforts:
American Red Cross – Multi-Agency Resource Centers set up.
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief – Chainsaw teams, debris removal, and feeding stations.
Governor’s Emergency Declaration – Funding for state-level response.
Missouri
Impacted Communities:
Pilot Grove (Cooper County): EF2 tornado destroyed a mobile home and caused significant property damage.
Nevada (Vernon County): Reports of structural damage.
Sedalia and surrounding rural areas: Flooding and wind damage.
Relief Efforts:
Salvation Army – Emergency food and spiritual care.
State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) – Coordination of public assistance and debris management.
United Way 211 – Connecting residents to shelter and resources.
Many organizations are working diligently to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery for the communities devastated by this week's severe weather events. Assessments are taking place and additional information will be added as received. See response efforts below as available.
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News Stories
IMPORTANT NOTE: Serve Source works because of the incredible relationships it has built with over the years. Our focus is communication and resource development. We support Those who are Serving communities impacted by this storm. Use this RESPONSE NOTIFICATION to notify us of efforts if you are 1 of 3 types of leaders:
(1) Church in the Impacted area
(2) Church outside wanting to send help and
(3) Disaster Response Organization sharing your response
Do you have resources you would like to connect to leaders in the area of impact?
Through our network of partner churches and disaster response organizations we have many needs to help fill. Us this link to share your information and we will help make a connection! Questions/Comments?
Henderson & Mclean County Kentucky
Spent yesterday meeting with church leaders and local officials as well to get a better picture of the damage here in two hard hit less publicized areas in Western KY.
Henderson County with the communities of Spotsville, Reed, Basket, and Beals appears to have suffered significant flooding. EMA said yesterday that in 1997 this area flooded with 300 home affected. The River crested at 47.52 in 97 and crested at 47.67 during this event. Water is going down now and folks are starting to get access to their homes today to begin the long process of clean-up. EMA expects to see 300+ homes impacted, up to 500.
This community is somewhat more affluent than Mclean…
Inspiritus is here in the Memphis, TN area doing storm damage restoration. There were 28 reported storm victims, and more that do not know about Crisis Cleanup…
The Mississippi River is still raising at this time…
Flooding Update here in West KY. The Green River is set to crest this afternoon. Folks are currently comparing this to the flood of 1937. Communities of Livermore, Calhoun and Rumsey in McLean county have significant flooding and are still mostly inaccessible. There is also significant impact in Henderson County in the low lying areas of basket and Reed. Current estimates are 300 families impacted. We are working with two churches, one in Henderson and one in Calhoun. Both ministries are friends and serve their communities well. We are working to assess more details. Have sent out blessing buckets beyond our own communities to support these efforts. Once the water has receded, we will know more about McLean county.
https://www.actionnews5.com/app/2025/04/09/mema-over-400-homes-damaged-storms/
Connecting with a Pastor in Slayden, MS. I am told they need a lot of help in this rural area. Slayden is outside of Holy Springs, MS. Will get more information when I speak with the Pastor. There is one organization that will arrive on Friday here in Memphis, TN. They can help some with Slayden, MS storm victims, as well as the victims here in Shelby County.