Kentucky flooding kills at least one, prompts state emergency declaration

Deadly flooding struck multiple Kentucky counties on Saturday, killing at least one motorist swept away by flash flooding and prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency. The governor said there could be multiple fatalities but the total remains unclear as search and rescue operations continue.

m. m. local time.

Damage and response Dozens of rescues have been conducted, at least 12 roads are flooded and inaccessible, and several bridges have been destroyed, the governor said. Five counties—Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer, and Spencer—have also declared local states of emergency.

In Bullitt County, precautionary evacuations are underway near a dam where a portion of the embankment experienced a landslide; officials said the dam is holding with no indication of imminent failure. In Madison County, five search and rescue teams are operating and significant roads remain under water.

Richmond police released photos showing officers blocking flooded streets and checking on vehicles submerged by rising waters.

Weather outlook and context The governor urged residents to avoid driving after dark, stating conditions will worsen. The state’s emergency management agency, state police, and swift water rescue teams are responding to local requests for assistance. The governor noted the storms have become more severe than most expected and said officials have already lost at least a handful of Kentuckians.