A powerful storm is set to unleash life-threatening tornadoes and historic flooding across over 15 US states.

The National Weather Service warns of intense rainfall from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast, with up to 18 inches expected in parts of Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky.

The storm will also bring large hail and damaging winds, creating a severe weather threat across the Mid-South.

The flood event could submerge areas in Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois, with some regions receiving four to five months’ worth of rain in just four days.