AccuWeather meteorologists are warning that impacts from major river flooding that began over the weekend could persist for weeks in some areas.

Why It Matters

Last week, an atmospheric river brought record-breaking rainfall across parts of the Midwest and U.S. South. At least 18 people have been killed, the Associated Press reported. Hundreds of homes and businesses have been inundated, and evacuations have been ordered.

What to Know

As of Monday afternoon, myriad flooding-related weather alerts remain in place across much of the Midwest and U.S. South. The warnings are most widespread in Southern Indiana, Kentucky, and Southern Illinois.

River gauges detected rivers in major flood stage in 19 locations, according to a flood inundation map from the National Water Center. Moderate flooding was detected in 58 locations, and minor flooding was detected in 169 locations.

AccuWeather warned that some flood-related impacts could persist for weeks, as it can take time for the river water levels to recede. Runoff from as much as 16 inches of rain in some areas will continue to surge into local rivers, creeks, and streams, contributing to the floods.

River flooding is anticipated to persist at least through this week in the following states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

Hundreds of roads have been closed because of high water, and closures are expected to continue.

Floodwaters at smaller creeks and streams will begin to recede within days, AccuWeather reported, but major rivers will take much longer. In some places, the water levels could continue rising, even though most of the rain has already moved out of the area.

What People Are Saying

AccuWeather senior meteorologist John Feerick told Newsweek: “The water has got to continue to flow. Obviously, the Mississippi River is very, very long, so it’s going to take a long time for the water to flow out of the streams and secondary rivers into the larger rivers like the Ohio and the Mississippi. The flooding on the Mississippi further south is likely not even going to start until later in the week, and then it could last at least a week, if not longer.”

AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a report: “AccuWeather experts estimate that the economic loss from the severe weather and flooding in recent days in the middle of the nation is between $80 billion and $90 billion. Unless property owners have specific flood insurance, losses and repairs will most likely not be covered by standard policies.”

AccuWeather meteorologist Alyssa Glenny said: “The Kentucky River at Frankford Lock, Kentucky, has crested just under the all-time record of 48.47 feet. Records at the location along the river date back to at least the early 1800s.”

What Happens Next

Some floodwaters will recede this week, whereas flooding might not even begin until later this week for other areas.