FRANKFORT, KY — Kentucky officials said four people were killed after severe storms and flooding swept across the state over the weekend, with the hardest hit areas in central Kentucky. Gov. Andy Beshear declared a statewide emergency to help crews respond as several inches of rain fell Saturday and flash flood warnings covered large parts of the region. State officials said rescue teams were busy throughout the day, and the governor warned people to stay off the roads in affected areas. The deaths were reported as the flooding continued into Saturday night.
Deaths and Rescue Efforts
Beshear said state officials had confirmed at least four deaths linked to the flooding. Three were reported in Madison County and one in Jackson County, both south of Lexington. None of the victims had been publicly identified. The governor said he and his wife were praying for the families during what he called a difficult time. Kentucky Emergency Management crews also carried out multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes as the storms pushed through the commonwealth.
Officials Urge Caution
In a Saturday update, Beshear urged residents in impacted areas to avoid travel, especially after dark when visibility was limited. He described the situation as a serious flooding event and said more heavy rain was expected late into the night. State and emergency management officials said water rescue teams had been staged in flash flood zones ahead of time so they could respond quickly to calls for help. The warning came as roads in some communities became dangerous or impassable because of rising water.
Bullitt County Evacuations
Flooding also caused problems south of Louisville, where some Bullitt County residents were ordered to evacuate on Saturday. Water was reported to be overtaking streets near Fort Knox, adding to concerns in the area. Local and state responders worked through the day to deal with flooded roads and emergency calls. The evacuation order underscored how quickly the storms turned a weather event into a public safety emergency in multiple parts of Kentucky.
Statewide Response Continues
Beshear said the state’s anti-price gouging laws would be enforced during the storm response so residents could more easily get needed supplies. While central and southern Kentucky saw the worst conditions, northern Kentucky was less affected and received only scattered showers during the day. Officials said the storm threat remained a concern as rain moved through the Greater Cincinnati region. The state’s emergency declaration was intended to speed assistance and keep response crews ready as flooding impacts continued to unfold.
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