News Summary
Kentucky faces devastating flooding due to excessive rainfall, particularly in Pendleton and Franklin counties. Emergency evacuation orders have been issued, with local officials mobilizing resources for affected residents, including nursing home evacuations. Tragically, two lives have already been lost, exacerbating the crisis as communities struggle with road closures and power outages. The situation remains critical as authorities monitor rising water levels and continue search and rescue operations.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Excessive rainfall has led to catastrophic flooding across Kentucky, particularly impacting Pendleton and Franklin counties. In light of the rising waters, Pendleton County officials have issued emergency evacuation orders for residents in the towns of Butler and Falmouth. The urgency of the situation has prompted evacuations, with residents of Butler expected to leave their homes by 4 p.m. and those in Falmouth urged to evacuate by 8 p.m. Local officials cited concerns that residents would be trapped without essential services such as electricity and water as significant reasons for the evacuation orders.
As floodwaters began to infiltrate homes in Pendleton County by midday Saturday, volunteers took to the streets, going door-to-door to inform residents of the need to evacuate. Most residents complied with the evacuation orders, and emergency shelters have been established in the county to assist those displaced by the flood. Additionally, approximately 80 residents from two nursing homes were evacuated ahead of the rising waters.
The Kentucky National Guard has been called upon to assist with emergency response efforts in the affected areas, including search and rescue operations. Urban search and rescue teams are currently deployed to provide aid and assess the challenges posed by the flood. Unfortunately, the flooding has already resulted in the loss of at least two lives, including a 9-year-old boy in Franklin County and a 74-year-old man who was found in a submerged vehicle near Louisville.
Communities across Kentucky have been hit hard, with some areas experiencing between 10 to 20 inches of rainfall in less than a week, compounding the flooding conditions. In addition to devastating impacts on homes and infrastructure, more than 400 roadways throughout the state have been affected, with approximately 300 roads closed as of Friday. Power outages are also rampant, leaving more than 3,800 people without electricity.
Officials are closely monitoring the Kentucky River, which is projected to crest at 44.2 feet on Monday morning, raising concerns of additional flooding in the region. A large building was observed drifting down the Kentucky River between Lexington and Louisville, underscoring the force of the flooding. Meanwhile, the Ohio River is expected to rise and peak at 68 feet by Tuesday, contributing to flood and flash flood warnings for Louisville and surrounding areas.
Governor Andy Beshear has described the flooding conditions as serious and has requested an emergency declaration that has since been approved, allowing for federal support to aid affected communities. Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville urged residents to stay safe by avoiding floodwaters, signing up for emergency alerts, and preparing emergency plans for their families as severe weather conditions persist and more rainfall is anticipated over the weekend.
The situation in Kentucky remains fluid, with ongoing search and rescue efforts and the continuous monitoring of floodwaters. Authorities are cooperating with local agencies, and residents are reminded to remain vigilant and prepared as the state navigates this environmental crisis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Central US Faces Severe Weather and Flooding Risks
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Devastate Kentucky
Severe Storms Leave Thousands in Kentucky Without Power
Severe Tornado Outbreak Causes Widespread Destruction Across U.S.
Severe Storm System Hits Lexington, Kentucky with Tornado Warnings
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Additional Resources
- GovTech: Trump Signs Kentucky Emergency Declaration Amid Rain Floods
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Floods
- Kentucky.com: Flooding News
- Google Search: Kentucky Floods
- Fox Weather: Home Swept Away in Kentucky River Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- Fox 56 News: Franklin County Officials Prepare for Rising River
- Google News: Kentucky Floods April 2025
- Spokesman: Emergency Declaration in Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Floods
