Gov. Beshear says President Trump approves his request for an emergency disaster declaration

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There are more than 300 roads closed around Kentucky Sunday morning, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet leaders said the statewide impact is historic after heavy rain hit the state Saturday and Sunday morning. Snow fell in the Louisville area, accumulating on wet roadways.

"From mudslides in the east to snow in the west, the situation is dangerous," Beshear said. "Please plan ahead, avoid travel and stay safe, Kentucky."

Beshear said President Donald Trump approved his request for an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky. Federal funding is now available in affected areas. Beshear said the federal funding will help to better respond to Kentuckians impacted by the severe weather.

Beshear said Saturday he also spoke directly to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the acting director of FEMA.

In Louisville, first responders completed nearly 30 water rescues Saturday, according to LMPD. Some intersections and roadways around the city dealt with pooling water as rain continued Saturday night.

Louisville Metro Public Works crews worked overnight on flood safety operations, according to Salvador Melendez with Metro Public Works. He said crews set up signage and barricades in flood-prone areas, viaducts, underpasses and other low-lying roadways.

Metro's Snow Team was later deployed to apply salt to Louisville's 110 snow routes. By late afternoon, Melendez said each snow route had received at least one pass.

"They will continue working to ensure all major roads are in safe driving condition," Melendez said.

Drivers are encouraged to approach roads with caution because the roads could be icy or slick. People should plan ahead and expect drive times to take longer due to the road conditions. Melendez also encouraged people to look out for snowplows and give the snow team room to work.

"Snowplows are big and bulky, and sudden maneuvers around them create additional hazards," Melendez said.

Some roads closed due to flooding include:

All entries to Cherokee Park are closed, including Willow Avenue, Lexington Road and Eastern Parkway
Beargrass Creek and Park Boundary Road
Watson Lane and Tennis Boulevard
W. Orell and Lower River Road
The intersection of Six Mile Lane and Breckenridge Lane
Fenwick Road at Fegenbush Lane

Beshear preemptively declared a state of emergency in Kentucky, where flash flooding was expected into Sunday.

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