Chattanooga flooding: How many people died? What’s the update on missing person?

At least three people have died and another remains missing following severe storms and flash flooding in Tennessee, local authorities reported.

In East Ridge, near Chattanooga, a family of two adults and one child tragically lost their lives when a tree toppled onto their vehicle amid the storm on Wednesday morning, according to the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, as reported by the BBC.

Officials confirmed that one person is still unaccounted for after being swept away by the floodwaters. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate the individual, though it remains unclear if they were able to reach safety on their own.

Flash flood warnings remain in effect across large parts of Tennessee, including the Knoxville area, as authorities urge residents to exercise extreme caution.

The storms brought historic rainfall to the region. Chattanooga Airport recorded 6.42 inches (0.16 meters) of rain on Tuesday, marking the second-highest daily total since record-keeping began in 1879, according to the National Weather Service in Morristown.

First responders worked tirelessly to assist residents trapped in flooded homes and vehicles. In one dramatic rescue, Chattanooga firefighters helped six people escape from a van that was nearly swept away by rising waters from a nearby creek. Rescue teams used rafts and other equipment throughout the day to reach those stranded in the floodwaters.

In response to the crisis, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp declared a local state of emergency to mobilize resources and coordinate rescue operations. Authorities continue to monitor conditions and warn that flash flooding could worsen as the storms persist.