Severe thunderstorms will continue to prowl the central United States through the weekend with some areas at risk for damage stemming from high winds, hail, tornadoes and flooding. Police officers and emergency crews in eastern Massachusetts were out in full force on Thursday morning, performing rescues and blocking off impassable roads

Malaya Grace Hammond is among the latest fatalities identified from the Texas floods. Hammond's family said she was swept away by floodwaters on Saturday in Travis County.

As rescue efforts end, volunteers and retired responders reflect on the toll — and the hope — of bringing closure to families.

Max Chesnes is the Tampa Bay Times' environment and climate reporter, covering public lands, water quality, wildlife and everything in between. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him on Instagram @MaxChesnes. Anyone can view a sampling of recent comments, but you must be a Times subscriber to contribute. Log in above or subscribe here.

Renee Smajstrla, a 8-year-old straight-A student from Ingram, Texas, who had played a role in her school’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” was one of the victims who died in the flash floods at Camp Mystic, her family said.

Forecasters warn that slow-moving storms could bring heavy downpours to already saturated areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

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