The search is on for 20 people missing after flash flooding in western Tennessee. A weekend storm is already blamed for 22 deaths and that number is expected to rise. The Weather Channel reports:
Between 15 and 17 inches of rain was reported in 24 hours in areas around Dickson, Houston, Humphreys and Hickman counties.
Some of those amounts are equal to 25% of the normal rainfall for the entire year, according to the NWS.
The Tennessean reports, “With cellphone service spotty, crews conducted door-to-door searches, sometimes in water up to their necks. Local churches were turned into shelters for the homeless. Hundreds of homes were left uninhabitable.” Tennessee Governor Bill Lee called it “a devastating picture of loss and heartbreak in one of our Tennessee communities.”
"It's just gut-wrenching to know what these people are going through. You don't know how they pick up from this and move forward with their lives."
After the devastating, deadly flooding this weekend, many Tennessee residents are left wondering how to rebuild. pic.twitter.com/BCdgBX1P7n
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) August 23, 2021
The Governor says he is in talks with president Biden for federal assistance.
I send my deepest condolences for the sudden and tragic loss of life due to flash flooding in Tennessee. We’ve reached out to the community and will offer any assistance they need in this terrible moment.
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 22, 2021
Doug and I are praying for the families impacted by the terrible flash flooding in Tennessee, and we offer our deepest condolences for those who have lost loved ones. Our administration stands ready to help during this difficult period.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) August 23, 2021
Watch more from ABC News above.
