Kentucky moving to stabilize and support areas impacted by floods

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- First responders are moving out of the emergency search and rescue phase after severe flooding around Kentucky.

Gov. Andy Beshear said at a Thursday news conference those teams will now switch to stabilization efforts and getting support to those who need it. With dangerous cold in the forecast leading to the weekend, the governor said a warm up is on the way.

"The good news is the rain and the snow are almost over, and, for at least most of next week, it looks like we're going to be weather free and a little bit warmer," he said.

Beshear said some roads will reopen, when flood waters recede, but drivers are still encouraged to stay away from flooded roadways and never drive around barricades- for their own safety.

On Friday, Feb. 14, ahead of the heavy rains, the governor declared a state of emergency. On Saturday, Beshear requested, and President Donald Trump granted, an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky. At least 15 people died in Kentucky from floods and freezing temperatures.

The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund was launched last week by Beshear's office. The fund has already raised nearly $200,000 including a $20,000 donations from CSX. That money will be used to help pay for funerals of the victims. To donate to the fund,

Beshear said there are still at least 186 state highway closures in Kentucky, and ten of those closures are from mud and rock slides. The state Department of Highways is concentrating on monitoring flood waters, clearing debris and snow. The Kentucky National Guard is focused on eastern Kentucky where guardsmen are restoring roads access in Leslie and Pike counties. They are also working to transport food, water and cleaning supplies to difficult to reach areas.

There are currently 218 people being sheltered at four Kentucky State Parks including Jenny Wiley, Natural Bridge, Buckhorn Lake and Cumberland Falls. The governor said rooms are open and available, as needed.

"I want to take a moment to recognize how, in Kentucky, we always look out for our neighbors, and I have seen this once again in response to this natural disaster," Beshear said. He also thanked first responders, Kentucky State Police (KSP), Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) workers, as well as local police, fire and emergency managers, other states, volunteers and more.

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