Four people have died in Kentucky due to severe thunderstorms that caused widespread flooding across the state over the weekend. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Saturday, as flash flood warnings were issued for parts of Kentucky and Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service, parts of Kentucky could receive up to seven inches of rain through late Saturday evening. Governor Beshear announced via Facebook that three victims died in Madison County and one in Jackson County. "Kentucky, I have some tough news to share. We’ve lost three people in Madison County and one in Jackson County due to flooding," Beshear stated. "Please join Britainy and me as we pray for their families during this difficult time."
In Madison County, a man and a woman were found deceased inside their home in Richmond. The county coroner's office reported that floodwaters rapidly inundated streets, trapping residents. Another victim was recovered from a vehicle submerged on Tates Creek Road near Lexington.
Deputy Madison County Coroner Carlos Coyle indicated that rescue crews were conducting door-to-door searches in the most affected areas, though some hard-hit locations were inaccessible. Earlier on Saturday, Beshear noted on social media that major routes were submerged, with "significant roads underwater." He also stated that at least 12 state roads were out of commission due to the flooding.
"This is a serious flooding event, where teams have already had to conduct multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes across the commonwealth," Beshear said in a separate statement. "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."
In Bullitt County, in northwestern Kentucky near Louisville, emergency officials issued an evacuation order for residents on a rural road as a precautionary measure following a landslide at a dam embankment. The dam structure remained stable with no immediate signs of collapse.
By late Saturday afternoon, some areas in southwestern Indiana had already received four to ten inches of rain. The region had experienced approximately three inches of rain over the preceding two days, according to the National Weather Service.