News Summary
Central Kentucky is reeling from severe flooding following record-breaking rainfall, with some areas receiving over 15 inches of rain. The Kentucky River in Frankfort is nearing record crest levels, prompting mandatory curfews and evacuations. Tragically, 23 fatalities across several states have been reported, including a 9-year-old boy. Thousands are without water, and over 540 roadways are closed due to the flooding. Emergency management officials are working on rescue and recovery efforts as the National Weather Service warns of more high water levels in the coming days.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Central Kentucky is currently facing severe flooding after a series of storms brought record-breaking rainfall to the region. Some counties reported rainfall accumulations of 8 to 10 inches over the past week, while western Kentucky experienced totals exceeding 15 inches. As a result, multiple fatalities have been confirmed, along with widespread evacuations and disruptions to infrastructure.
The Kentucky River in Frankfort has reached a crest of 48.27 feet, approaching the record level of 48.5 feet set in 1978. To ensure public safety during this crisis, residents of Frankfort have been placed under a mandatory curfew as floodwaters threaten homes and businesses. Emergency shelters are being established across the state to assist those displaced by the rising waters.
As of now, at least 23 fatalities have been recorded across several states, including three deaths in Kentucky. Among the casualties is a 9-year-old boy who was tragically swept away by floodwaters. The Michigan Department of Transportation confirmed that the severe weather system affecting Kentucky has also contributed to an unprecedented number of tornadoes this spring, with reports indicating 157 tornadoes across a wide area in just one week.
The flooding has led to over 540 roadways being closed due to various issues such as flooding, mudslides, and rockslides, causing significant disruptions to travel and transportation routes. Approximately 1,000 residents are currently without access to water, while nearly 3,000 individuals are under boil water advisories. State and local emergency management officials are actively working to restore utility services and provide assistance to those impacted by these extreme weather conditions.
Rescue operations are currently ongoing, with crews employing inflatable boats to reach residents in affected areas. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning, anticipating that the Ohio River will also reach dangerously high levels. In response to the hazardous situation, towns such as Falmouth and Butler have been placed under mandatory evacuations.
The severe rainfall began on March 30 and has resulted in historic flooding across parts of the South and Midwest, leaving many communities grappling with the aftermath. The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort had to close due to the surrounding floodwaters, and officials have urged visitors to avoid the area until conditions improve.
With the flooding crisis ongoing, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant as additional flooding concerns persist. He warned that conditions could lead to further emergencies in the coming days, highlighting the need for residents to stay informed and prepared as the situation develops. State and local authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents while coordinating recovery efforts across the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Historic Flooding Grips the South and Midwest
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
Severe Tornado Outbreak Causes Widespread Destruction Across U.S.
Lexington Legends Launch Donation Drive for Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief
Severe Weather Alert: A Weekend of Storms Ahead!
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Frankfort, Kentucky Flood News
- Wikipedia: Flood
- The Weather Channel: Flooding and Tornadoes in South Ohio Valley
- Google Search: Frankfort Kentucky Flood
- AP News: Severe Weather and Flooding
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Flood 2025
- Kentucky.com: Weather News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Floods
- CNN: South and Midwest Storm and Flooding
- Google News: Kentucky Flood April 2025
