Louisville, Ky. — Severe weather in Kentucky has caused widespread flooding, resulting in at least nine confirmed fatalities since storms began hitting the state on Saturday. Governor Andy Beshear addressed the state during a press conference on Sunday afternoon, warning that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
“This number is going to grow,” Beshear said, urging residents to stay off the roadways to prevent further fatalities. Many of the deaths were caused by people attempting to drive through flooded areas, which Beshear emphasized could be deadly. He also noted that floodwaters were a significant factor in the search and rescue efforts, with nearly 1,000 rescues performed across the state.
The severe weather has affected all 120 counties in Kentucky, making it one of the most widespread and severe weather events the state has faced in the past decade. Beshear referred to the situation as “the emergency response phase,” noting that it would likely last at least a few more days.
The confirmed fatalities include:
- A man and a woman in Hart County
- Three men in Pike County
- A 7-year-old child in Hart County
- A woman in Washington County
- A man in Clay County
- A person in Nelson County
The Kentucky National Guard has mobilized 146 soldiers and airmen to assist in emergency response operations, providing aid to at least 16 counties. Local police and state officials continue to urge people to stay off the roads and avoid traveling through flooded areas. Beshear emphasized, “If you hit water, turn around. It’s not worth dying. It can wait.”
The extreme weather system also affected parts of the Southeast, with heavy rains causing flooding in Kentucky, Tennessee, and other surrounding areas. The National Weather Service reported that some areas received up to 6 inches of rain, exacerbating the flood situation. The rain, followed by snow, left cars submerged and buildings flooded, with mudslides blocking roads in Virginia.
While the rain has subsided, officials continue to warn that the effects of flooding could linger for days. In Jackson, Kentucky, the Kentucky River Medical Center closed its emergency department and began transferring patients to other hospitals in the region as floodwaters crested nearly 14 feet above flood stage.
As of Sunday, Governor Beshear had requested disaster relief funding from the federal government, which was promptly approved by President Donald Trump. The state continues to evaluate conditions and determine when it is safe to begin recovery efforts.
Beshear also shared emergency contact information for residents with non-life-threatening needs. Individuals who require assistance, such as power outages or medical concerns, were urged to use a dedicated hotline rather than calling 911, which is reserved for life-threatening emergencies.
The Kentucky Emergency Management team and local responders continue their efforts to evacuate flood-prone areas and ensure the safety of residents. As authorities continue to assess the widespread damage, the full extent of the storm’s impact will become clearer in the coming days.
In the meantime, Beshear emphasized the importance of staying informed, staying off the roads, and allowing time for the water to recede. “Stay home if you can,” officials advised, as they work tirelessly to help those affected by the devastating weather.
