February 2025 North American Storm Complex

From February 15–16, 2025, a storm system brought flash flooding and tornadoes that impacted parts of the United States, leaving at least 18 people dead.Multiple sources:

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Multiple sources:

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The flash flooding occurred in Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Impacts

Western United States

California

Debris flows were reported near the burn scars of recent fires. A fire department vehicle was pushed into the ocean; the occupant survived with minor injuries. In Southern California, an EF0 tornado was confirmed by the National Weather Service. The tornado touched down in a trailer park, and several homes suffered severe damage. No injuries were reported.

Kansas

The 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup game at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami CF originally scheduled for February 18 was delayed to the next day due to snowfall.

Eastern United States

Kentucky

Areas impacted included Kentucky, and parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. At least 14 people were killed in Kentucky. In Kentucky and West Virginia, governors Andy Beshear and Patrick Morrisey declared states of emergency. In Hazard, Kentucky, the North Fork Kentucky River crested at , the worst flooding seen since 1984. Water rescues are underway in parts of Kentucky. The storm also knocked out power to over 39,000 homes in Kentucky, as the flood waters covered roadways as the North Fork Kentucky River crested 14 feet above flood stage. Beshear wrote to Donald Trump requesting an emergency disaster declaration, which was approved. Police in Pike County, Kentucky reported that the city of Pikeville was inaccessible due to flooded roadways. The Levisa Fork in Pike County crested at 46.68 feet, severely damaging Pikeville High School and homes along the river. At least three people in Pike County died during the floods.

In Kentucky, governor Andy Beshear confirmed at least 14 people were dead, and over 1,000 people were rescued from the floods. Among the deaths were a mother and child who were swept away in flood waters in Hart County, and an elderly man who attempted to drive through flood waters in Clay County. Beshear also stated that the number of fatalities is likely to rise. The 12 deaths occurred in the counties of Hart, Pike, Washington, Clay, Floyd, and Nelson. After the flooding, a winter storm brought snow and cold temperatures to Kentucky which could potentially stop recovery efforts.

West Virginia

In Southern West Virginia, governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 13 counties, and confirmed that there were no deaths, but several missing persons. Major flooding on the Tug Fork and Bluestone River led to evacuations and road damage as flood waters covered roads. The flood also left more than 54,000 people without power. The West Virginia National Guard was deployed to conduct rescues. Williamson, West Virginia experienced major flooding as the Tug Fork was expected to crest at 49 feet (14.9 m), three feet above flood stage. A flood wall protected the downtown area from major damage, but other parts of the city and other areas in Mingo County had major damage. The record for Williamson is 52.6 feet (16 m). In Kermit, West Virginia, the Tug Fork was expected to crest at 51 feet (15.5 m), two feet above major flood level. More than 50 people were rescued in Mingo County. Morrisey confirmed three deaths in the state, with others still missing.

Tennessee and Virginia

In Virginia, the Virginia National Guard deployed about 55 soldiers distributed commodities in communities affected by flooding, and water rescues were underway in the Richlands area in Tazewell County, Virginia, where they rescued 51 people, 17 dogs, and 8 cats. Water rescues were also conducted in the community of Hurley, Virginia. Hurley previously suffered a disastrous flood in 2002 which nearly destroyed it. Overall, over 100 people have been rescued from high water in Southwest Virginia.

In Tennessee, residents were pressured to evacuate after flooding led to the failure of a levee on the Obion River, as over seven inches of rain caused floods in the state. Obion County mayor Steve Carr issued a mandatory evacuation order and declared a state of emergency. The National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency for Rives, Tennessee, downstream from where the levee failed. Flood waters also covered roads and citizens were urged not to drive in flood waters.

Georgia

In Georgia, at least one person was killed in Atlanta after severe storms and heavy winds caused trees to fall and knock out power. The Clayton County jail temporarily lost power during the storm.

Severe weather

This storm also brought severe weather across the country, spawning one tornado in Southern California and 22 more across the Southeast.

February 13 event

February 15 event

February 16 event

See also

* Tornadoes of 2025
* Weather of 2025

Notes

References

{{Alabama tornado events

2024–25 North American winter
2025 in Kentucky
2025 in West Virginia
2025 in Tennessee
2025 in Virginia
Floods in West Virginia
February 2025 in the United States