Four dead as flash floods hit Kentucky, governor declares state of emergency

Fatalities and initial response

Four people died in flash floods that swept Kentucky on Saturday, Governor Andy Beshear confirmed. Three victims were from Madison County and one from Jackson County. Emergency teams had to conduct multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes across the commonwealth, with many roads rendered impassable.

“This is a serious flooding event, where teams have already had to conduct multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes across the commonwealth.”

The governor declared a state of emergency on Saturday afternoon as the situation worsened. By late evening, he confirmed the death toll and urged residents to stay off the roads.

“As more heavy rain continues through late tonight, we need folks to remain alert and to avoid driving, especially after dark when there is limited visibility.”

Weather and rainfall totals

Thunderstorms dumped heavy rain across Kentucky and into southern Indiana. The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings for parts of both states. By Saturday evening, some areas in southwestern Indiana had recorded between 4 and 10 inches of rain, while parts of Kentucky saw up to 7 inches (18 cm). Forecasters expected continued downpours until around 11 p.m. ET.

Dam threat in Bullitt County

In north-western Kentucky, just outside Louisville, emergency officials in Bullitt County urged residents of a rural road to evacuate as a precaution after a landslide at a dam embankment. The dam was holding and there was no indication of imminent failure, according to officials. The area had received about 3 inches of rain over two days.

Official reactions

Governor Beshear said he and his wife were praying for the families of the victims. He stressed that the intense rainfall was expected to last into the night and that visibility would be poor, making driving hazardous. Local states of emergency were also declared in Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer counties.

“We've sadly already received reports of fatalities that we are working to confirm, and we need everyone to stay alert and do what's needed to keep each other safe.”