Heavy rain causes flooding, road closures across Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Heavy rain fell throughout the Louisville area Saturday, causing hazardous roadways for drivers.

A flash flood warning in Louisville was issued by the National Weather Service at 10:34 p.m. and goes until Feb. 16 at 4:30 a.m. Between two to three inches of rain have fallen and another one to two inches are expected, according to a LENS Alert.

MetroSafe has received multiple reports of people attempting to drive through pooled water on roadways. A WDRB photojournalist was on scene of at least two submerged cars in water at Breckenridge Lane near Six Mile Lane.

Louisville Metro Police said River Patrol and Dive team Swift Water Technicians have responded and assisted local fire departments on water rescues throughout the city.

"County wide, first responders have completed nearly 30 water rescues today and counting," LMPD posted. "Turn around, don’t drown."

LMPD river patrol - Feb. 15, 2025.jpg — LMPD's River Patrol team on Feb. 15, 2025 in Louisville, Ky. (Photo courtesy of Louisville Metro Police)

Some intersections and roadways around Louisville are dealing with pooling water as rain continues to fall Saturday night.

Rich Carlson, a spokesperson for Zoneton Fire Department, said many roads covered with water. He said crews have had to make several rescues of people trapped in cars. Carlson said the fire department is discouraging travel in the area due to the conditions.

Shepherdsville Police Department said people should avoid Mallard Lake subdivision at all entrances and roads due to flooding. Several homes were flooded on Pryor Valley Road with water rescues. Police said up to 50 structures were flooded.

There was also a water rescue at 870 Old Preston Highway, but no one was injured, according to Shepherdsville Police.

"As the rain continues to come down additional roadways will become covered over with water and the darkness will make it very difficult to see," Shepherdsville Police Department said. "If you do not have to be out on the roadways please stay home to ensure your safety and the safety of others."

Shelby County emergency communications sent an alert Saturday night saying that many roads are flooded.

"Please do not attempt to drive through flooded areas," the emergency alert said.

Kentucky counties like Grayson, Adair, Green, Hart and Marion counties have had to close roadways. Drivers are urged to stay off roads as water rescues have been necessary across the state.

Gov. Andy Beshear preemptively declared a state of emergency in Kentucky, where flash flooding was expected into Sunday. Flash flooding hit some roads in Bowling Green.

Beshear posted Saturday night that Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonburg is open and has rooms available for Kentuckians who have had to evacuate their homes due to flooding.

"Please use caution while traveling, but know our Kentucky State Parks team is there for those in need," Beshear said. "If you are in danger due to rising water, please call 911 for evacuation assistance. Shelters are being opened in Pike County for those in need, and Kentucky State Police are doing wellness checks in the area."

Counties in southern Kentucky are dealing with flooding.

Grayson County had 10 roads closed due to flooding as of 7 p.m. The emergency management posted "Turn around, don't drown" on Facebook.

Adair County Emergency Management said more than a dozen roads around the county are closed due to high water and being impassable.

Photos posted by authorities and users on social media showed cars and buildings underwater in Warren County.

The Simpson County Office of Emergency Management in Kentucky said authorities performed several rescues from stalled-out vehicles in floodwaters.

“Stay home if you can,” the office said on Facebook.

The National Weather Service called the expected rain a “major, potentially historic, flash flood event.”

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in the Louisville District is also monitoring possible flooding along several rivers including Carr Creek, Cave Run, Green River, Barren River, Nolin River and Rough River. It said the lock and dam system on the Ohio River continued to operate for industry traffic.

For additional preparedness tips from Kentucky Emergency Management, click here.

On Friday, Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg talked about the risk for both flash flooding and rising river levels.

"With respect to any flash flooding that may occur, that we expect to go down more rapidly. If there's flooding from the Ohio River, we expect that flooding to not even occur until next week," said Greenberg. "So, we'll have more information once the rain comes -- when there's rain in other parts of the area that feed into the Ohio -- that will dictate what will happen to the Ohio River levels in our community, again that's not until next week."

More top stories: