The storm system resulted in at least 16 deaths by early Sunday, with overnight tornado and flash flood warnings setting up more severe weather that forecasters say could cause rising waterways for days to come.

A 9-year-old boy in Kentucky was swept away by flood waters on Friday, one of at least 16 people to die in a series of dramatic storms that continue to pummel the US. High winds and heavy rain continued to batter states including Arkansas,

At least 16 people are believed to have died after tornadoes, heavy rain and flash flooding battered parts of the South and Midwest in the United States. Among them was a 9-year-old boy, who was swept away while walking to a school bus stop in Kentucky on April 4.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky Emergency Management posted on Facebook Sunday afternoon urging people who live along the Kentucky river to prepare for “the worst flood we’ve ever seen on the Kentucky River.” Kentucky EMA says those most at risk are people who live along the Kentucky River in lower-elevation and higher-population areas.

Several Kentucky communities are expected to be isolated by floodwaters as rising rivers and streams cover roads around the region.

The Kentucky River is projected to crest at 49.5 feet, one foot higher than the all-time record set in 1978, resulting in flooding throughout Frankfort.