By Bennett Haeberle WDRB-TV Fox 41 News bhaeberle@fox41.com
FRANKFORT, KY (WDRB) -- Major flooding has forced evacuations, closed roads, schools and businesses across the state, and more rain is expected.
Gov. Steve Beshear declared a state of emergency for Kentucky Monday, saying that "historic flooding" and "major damage" could be in store. Already, more than 50 counties have been affected by the severe weather in what has been the wettest April on record.
In Louisville, the state's largest city and one of the hardest hit areas, deer were left swimming. More than 100 residents living along the Ohio River were forced to evacuate Sunday, as Louisville Gas and Electric cut power to those residents.
"There is a potential here for some major flooding and major damage. We want to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best," Beshear told reporters during a news conference Monday afternoon.
In Henry County, residents were warned the dam at Lake Jericho could be compromised. Part of the earthen dam eroded and emergency officials have covered up that part with a tarp.
About five miles downstream, residents in the small town of Sulphur, KY were told to evacuate as a precaution. The town would be devastated if the dam broke.
"It's horrible... It's a horrible way to lose your home. It really is," said Joyce McCormick, a former Sulphur resident.
She lost her home during a flood in 2004.
On Monday, she watched as her daughter and son-in-law move their RV out of an abundance of fear. She understands why some of her neighbors have chosen to stay behind and wait out more rain.
"There are a lot of people passing through here that are looking for something to steal," she said.
Other residents seemed less concerned.
"More rain that could make it worse. I guess we'll see," said Stephanie Sharp, whose parents live year round near Lake Jericho.
The governor says western Kentucky and Louisville have been the hardest hit by the floods, with more rain in the forecast, Beshear expects more counties to be affected.
