Four dead in Kentucky flash floods; state of emergency declared

Flash floods triggered by severe thunderstorms have claimed the lives of four people in Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear announced. The devastating storms dumped as much as 7 inches (18 cm) of rain across the state, leading to widespread flooding.

Beshear confirmed the fatalities on social media, stating that three victims were from Madison County and one from Jackson County. He asked the public to join him and his wife in praying for the families affected by this tragedy. The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings for parts of Kentucky and Indiana, anticipating continued heavy rainfall.

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Please join Britainy and me as we pray for their families during this difficult time.

A state of emergency was declared on Saturday as the intense rainfall was expected to persist. Beshear highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that rescue teams had already conducted multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes. He urged residents to stay alert and avoid driving, especially after dark, due to limited visibility.

In a precautionary measure, Bullitt County emergency management officials requested residents on a rural road near Louisville to evacuate due to a landslide at a dam embankment. While the dam was reportedly holding and showed no signs of imminent failure, the situation underscored the precarious conditions across the affected areas. The region had already experienced about 3 inches of rain in the preceding two days.

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