The death toll from this weekend’s flash flooding across Kentucky is up to at least 11 people, many of which in eastern Kentucky. As evacuations and rescues continue, crews are asking anyone on the roadways to be mindful of floodwater.
As of Monday, more than 300 state and federal roads were blocked due to flood and mudslide damage, and more than 14,000 homes were without power.
Governor Andy Beshear hosted updates in collaboration with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to announce the extent of the state’s emergency. Beshear explained most of the deaths so far have been attributed to cars being overpowered by fast running water.
“KSP encourages motorists- as do I, as will Kentucky Emergency Management, as will Transportation, and as will FEMA- avoid driving through covered roadways. That is where we’re losing the most people,” said Beshear. “Stay off the roads, if you hit water, turn around. It is not worth dying, your family cares about you. Wherever you are going, it can wait.”
Officials said one foot of fast running water is enough to knock over a car, and six inches can easily knock over an adult.
FEMA is currently deployed across the state to provide emergency resources, as well as federal teams from Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, Missouri, and Tennessee. Beshear also signed an executive order allowing for emergency 30-day refills of any non-controlled medication.
Most of the immediate flooding has crested, but officials said some rivers in eastern and southern Kentucky still pose a threat to residents. More than a thousand people have been evacuated or rescued so far, with that number expected to rise as efforts continue.
Beshear said the storms have been unique due to their impact in every corner of Kentucky.
“When the secretary called me last night and said ‘where are you most concerned about?’, I said 'this event is hitting all 120 counties'. So, we had to preposition assets was in every part of our state, and flooding is still possible in many, many, rivers in our state, all across,” said Beshear.
Beshear added the current floods are different from those that hit eastern Kentucky in 2022, as so far the damage is more widespread but not as catastrophic. Meteorologists were also able to forecast the event further in advance, allowing for more preparation.
While no Morehead city streets were flooded, KYTC reports KY 1722 near Farmers is closed for high water. More information on road closures and reopenings is available at the KYTC website.