Gov. Beshear declares state of emergency as widespread flooding slams Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency as heavy rain and dangerous flash flooding continue to impact much of Kentucky, prompting water rescues, evacuations and emergency declarations across several counties.

The governor announced the emergency declaration Saturday, saying widespread flooding has already forced first responders to rescue people trapped in vehicles and homes. On Sunday, the governor announced more than 63 water rescues and evacuations had been conducted.

Additional heavy rain was expected to continue through 11 p.m. EDT, with some parts of the state forecast to receive up to 7 inches of rain.

"This is a serious flooding event," Beshear said. "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."

The governor said three people from Madison County and one person from Jackson County have died due to the flooding.

Five counties have declared local states of emergency:

Bullitt County
Madison County
Meade County
Mercer County
Spencer County

IMAGES | Heavy rain, thunderstorms trigger flash flooding across Kentuckiana

Emergency crews from Kentucky Emergency Management, Kentucky State Police and pre-positioned swift water rescue teams have been responding to flooded neighborhoods throughout the day. Officials said crews have rescued people from flooded vehicles and homes, and a community-wide evacuation has been ordered in Bullitt County.

In one of the hardest-hit areas of Bullitt County, residents along Prior Valley Road outside Shepherdsville spent Saturday surveying extensive damage after flash floodwaters tore through the neighborhood.

Danny Ralph said the water first rose Saturday morning before briefly receding, leading him to believe the danger had passed. But hours later, he heard what he described as a loud bang before floodwaters rushed back with even greater force.

"When I was in there, I was scared. I've never been through nothing like this," Ralph said.

The floodwaters knocked his trailer off its foundation, leaving it uninhabitable. Now, Ralph says his car is the only place he has left to sit while he waits to figure out his next steps.

The rushing water also carried debris throughout the neighborhood. Ralph said a neighbor's storage shed was swept off its property and ended up farther down the road behind another home.

Next door, John White said he also lost nearly everything inside his home. Water climbed above the level of his nightstand, soaking furniture, mattresses and personal belongings.

"Everything I got is ruined," White said. "I won't even be able to live here."

Even after the rain eased, water continued rushing through the nearby creek Saturday afternoon as flood warnings remained in effect across the region. Residents said the recovery will take months as they begin cleaning up from the destructive flooding.