Dangerous floodwaters are surging across Kentucky, transforming roads into fast-moving rivers as severe storms continue for a third consecutive day and more rain moves into the region.
The widespread flooding prompted officials to declare a state of emergency on Saturday after flash floods tore through parts of Kentucky and Indiana, leaving at least four people dead.
Forecasters warned that additional rainfall is expected Sunday, with communities from Owensboro to the Tennessee border potentially receiving up to three more inches, according to the National Weather Service in Louisville.
A fresh flash flood warning was issued for Clinton, Cumberland and Metcalfe counties in Kentucky, remaining in effect until about 11 a.m. Central Time.
Earlier warnings had also covered Adair, Barren, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Hart, Metcalfe and Russell counties until shortly before 11 a.m. CT, the NWS said.
Rescue crews from the Owensboro Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team have been sent to affected areas across Kentucky to assist with emergency response efforts.
By Sunday morning, the specialized unit had responded to Cumberland County, where roughly six inches of rain fell overnight, WEVV reported.
Cumberland County Judge Luke King said local roads had become too dangerous for motorists and were deemed unsafe for travel.
A new flash flood warning has taken effect across Clinton, Cumberland and Metcalfe counties in Kentucky until around 11am Central Time
The catastrophic flooding brought on a state of emergency on Saturday as flash flooding ripped through Kentucky and Indiana and killed at least four people
More rain is expected to land on Sunday, as areas from Owensboro to the Tennessee border could see an additional three inches of water fall
‘For those who are not required to be out, please stay in,’ King wrote on Facebook on Sunday morning.
King described the heavy rains set to hit on Sunday as ‘rough and seemingly unforgiving,’ as he announced a state of emergency.
‘We have roads all over the county that have been compromised and more still that we can’t yet see. Water over the roadways is a problem, but it’s what’s happening underground that gives all of us even more pause for concern,’ he wrote.
‘It’s imperative that those who have to travel right now do so slowly and as safely as possible. For those who are not required to be out, please stay in. This isn’t a restriction of your personal freedoms.
‘It’s a sincere request to help reduce the number of situations where our first responders and local government teams have to risk their lives to save someone else. If for no other reason, stay in so that those brave men and women on the front lines can avoid any unnecessary risks.’
Following Saturday’s flooding, precautionary evacuations took placed in one part of Bullitt County, according to CNN.
Between Friday and Saturday, areas saw up to 12 inches of rain within 48 hours.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the deaths of three people in Madison County – two of which were a man and women who drowned in the basement of a flooded Richmond home – and one person in Jackson County.
Following Saturday’s flooding, precautionary evacuations took placed in one part of Bullitt County. Between Friday and Saturday, areas saw up to 12 inches of rain within 48 hours
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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the deaths of three people in Madison County – two of which were a man and women who drowned in the basement of a flooded Richmond home – and one person in Jackson County
Cumberland County roads were declared unsafe for driving, the county’s Judge Luke King said
The third victim in Madison County was a man killed in a weather-related car accident, according to NBC News.
While none of the victims’ identities have been revealed, county Coroner Jimmy Cornelison said all three were aged between 40 and 59 years old, the outlet reported.
Madison County saw ‘significant roads’ underwater, as search and rescue teams were deployed, Beshear added.
‘We know we’ve already lost at least a handful of Kentuckians. I don’t want to lose any more,’ he said.
Beshear noted that the storms grew to be ‘much more severe than most would have thought.’
Earlier Saturday, the governor said on social media that floodwaters inundated major routes, noting there were ‘significant roads underwater.’
The governor also said at least 12 state roads were ‘out of commission’ due to flooding.
‘This is a serious flooding event, where teams have already had to conduct multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes across the commonwealth,’ he said in a separate statement.
The Sand-Gap Fire Department working alongside local police and fire departments as the team work to rescue those trapped in flood waters in Jackson County
Madison County saw ‘significant roads’ underwater, as search and rescue teams were deployed
‘As more heavy rain continues through late tonight, we need folks to remain alert and to avoid driving, especially after dark when there is limited visibility,’ Beshear added.
In northwest Kentucky near Louisville, Bullitt County emergency officials told residents on a rural road to evacuate as a precaution after a landslide at a dam embankment.
The structure remained stable, with no signs it was near collapse.
By late Saturday afternoon, some areas in southwestern Indiana had already been drenched with four to ten inches of rain.
According to Beshear, at least 12 roads have become flooded and inaccessible and numerous bridges have been ‘entirely wiped out.’
