News Summary
Kentucky Emergency Management has issued an urgent warning as severe flooding is expected along the Kentucky River, potentially leading to historic levels by Monday morning. Residents in at-risk counties, including Anderson and Franklin, are urged to evacuate and take safety precautions. Heavy rainfall across the region has caused rivers to reach critical levels, and flood warnings remain in effect until at least noon on Monday. Emergency services are on standby to assist those affected as preparations escalate.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Kentucky Emergency Management has issued an urgent flood preparedness warning as severe flooding is anticipated along the Kentucky River, potentially resulting in “the worst flood we’ve ever seen” in the region’s history. Residents in several counties have been advised to take immediate action to safeguard their safety and property as they prepare for record-breaking flood levels expected to peak around 8 a.m. on Monday.
The counties most at risk include Anderson, Carroll, Franklin, Henry, Mercer, Owen, Scott, and Woodford. People living in lower-elevation areas and those with higher populations along the Kentucky River are especially vulnerable and have been urged to prepare for major flooding. The flooding risk has escalated following days of heavy rainfall across the Midwest and South, filling rivers and creeks to their breaking points.
In anticipation of the flooding, Kentucky Emergency Management has recommended three key actions for residents in high-risk areas:
- Leave early and seek shelter with family or friends in a safe location.
- Avoid driving through floodwaters; instead, contact emergency services at 911 for emergencies or life-threatening situations.
- Conserve water and limit usage, particularly for those dependent on the Frankfort Plant Board for their water supply.
For non-life-threatening cases requiring assistance, residents are advised to call 502-607-6665, where emergency support can be provided for issues such as power outages, medical needs, food shortages, and transportation problems.
Current forecasts by the National Weather Service indicate that the last of the rainfall is expected on Monday, with freezing temperatures anticipated later in the week. Reports indicate that parts of Western Kentucky have received over 13 inches of rain, while Central Kentucky has experienced between 4 to 6 inches.
Flood warnings remain in effect until Monday at noon due to continuously high water levels in both the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers. Notably, the Kentucky River in Frankfort is projected to crest at 49.5 feet on Monday morning, surpassing the previous record set in 1978 by one foot. Additionally, the Ohio River is expected to reach 68 feet within the next few days.
In Carroll County, officials have implemented mandatory evacuation orders in areas at extreme risk of flooding, including Prestonville, Greensbottom, Happy Hollow, Blue Lick, Lock Number 1 Road, and Lower Mason Street. Residents in these locales have been warned that failure to evacuate could hinder the county’s ability to provide assistance as water levels continue to rise.
Furthermore, authorities clarified that the recent controlled release of water at Dix Dam was a precautionary measure taken to prevent dam failure, contrary to earlier reports suggesting an accidental incident. Carrollton’s Mayor has addressed the confusion regarding the dam’s management, and Franklin County officials confirmed that the operation was coordinated with emergency services.
Emergency notices advise residents to heed evacuation orders seriously, as the current flooding could exceed historical records and surpass expected predictions. The Kentucky Emergency Management emphasizes that individuals not evacuating could face tremendous risks as flooding intensifies.
As the region braces for this significant weather event, it is vital for those in flood-prone areas to take preparedness seriously and follow local guidelines to ensure their safety during this major flooding threat.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Lexington, Kentucky Faces Severe Flooding Impact
Historic Flooding Forces Evacuations in Woodford County, Kentucky
Catastrophic Flooding Hits Kentucky, Evacuations Ordered
Record Rainfall Causes Severe Flooding Across Mid-South
February 2025 Brings Community Health and Cultural Events to Lexington
Kentucky Faces Severe Weather and Tornado Threats
Fayette County Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Weather
Lexington Escapes Severe Storms Thanks to Wind Shear
Additional Resources
- WLKY News
- Wikipedia: Kentucky River
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Kentucky flood 2025
- WKYT News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- WAVE 3 News
- Google News: Kentucky floods
