Death toll in Kentucky rises to 22 after severe winter weather across state

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Twenty-two Kentuckians have died due to severe winter weather, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday.

Parts of Kentucky received up to 6 inches of rain from Feb. 15-16 as freezing temperatures hit the region. Counties around the state faced flooding issues because of the storms.

The latest confirmed death was a man from Marshall County who died from hypothermia.

On Monday, Beshear said President Donald Trump approved his request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, which includes public assistance for local governments and individual assistance for residents of Breathitt, Clay, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike counties.

"We are thankful to President Trump and his administration for approving this funding," Beshear said in a news release Monday. "This support will be a big help for our families and communities as they recover and rebuild from yet another terrible storm,” Gov. Beshear said. "During these tough times we see why Kentuckians are so special – we rally together to help each other, and I am so proud to be Governor of this great commonwealth. Just like before, we will get through this – together. And I promise that we will be there as long as it takes – until every life and structure is rebuilt."

Around 350 customers are still without power in Kentucky on Monday morning, according to Beshear. That number peaked at 43,124 on Feb. 16. More than 2,300 customers are still without water. But all water systems are online, according to a news release.

State highway closures have decreased to 89, Beshear's office said, which includes 10 from mudslides and rockslides. High water is still affecting travel in western and southern Kentucky. Some roadways have been reduced to one lane.

To view road closures, click here.

Kentucky National Guard is supporting efforts in debris removal in eastern Kentucky. They are also transporting supplies from distribution centers in Martin and Pike counties. Kentucky State Police troopers are delivering supplies, portable heaters, water and food to people impacted by the flooding.

Six state parks are sheltering 253 people in 95 rooms. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonburg is sheltering 104 adults and 33 children.

The American Red Cross is also helping families in eastern Kentucky. To support Red Cross Disaster Relief operations, click here, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund was launched last week by Beshear's office. It has raised more than $300,000 from 3,100 donors as of Monday morning. To donate to Kentuckians affected by the floods, click here.

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