Overview

• A destructive storm system with flash flooding and tornadoes has claimed at least 21 lives across multiple states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Georgia.
• Nine-year-old Gabriel Andrews was swept away by floodwaters in Franklin County, Kentucky, while walking to his school bus stop on Friday morning, raising concerns about school safety policies.
• Franklin County Schools chose to continue in-person classes despite flash flood warnings, canceling only two bus routes, a decision now under scrutiny by parents and officials.
• Kentucky remains under a state of emergency, with over 500 state roads closed and rivers nearing record levels as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
• The tragedy has sparked community mourning and calls for improved emergency preparedness as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.