River Road remains under water due to historic flooding

LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- River Road remains completely under water as historic flooding continues to disrupt lives, damage homes, and cut off access to entire neighborhoods.

WDRB News went out with Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS for a closer look at the rising water and how it’s impacting residents and businesses along the Ohio River.

For Michael Fulks, who decided to stay in his River Road home, the normally busy roadway has become eerily quiet.

“River Road is kind of like an interstate in the afternoon,” Fulks said. “Nice to not hear all the traffic going by.”

Despite the risks, Fulks is among roughly 200 residents who chose to stay behind, according to Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS.

“This is as high as it’s gotten so far,” Fulks said, pointing to the water just a few feet away from his home.

To reach his home now, you need a boat.

Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS began preparing for this event days in advance. Battalion Chief Mike Arth said his crews went door-to-door to make sure residents staying behind were informed.

“As part of our flood preparedness, we actually went around and made contact with people who were staying,” Arth said.

Arth said people being better prepared for this storm stems in part from lessons learned during the 2018 flood.

“We give them their options, tell them what to expect, and how to prepare,” Arth said. “That’s what caught a lot of people off guard last time — they just weren’t prepared.”

Still, officials are warning that despite the relative calm appearance of the water, conditions are dangerous.

“What might be ankle deep in one spot, the road may have washed away and all of a sudden you’re chest deep or even higher,” Arth said.

And hazards don’t disappear when the water does.

“As soon as the water levels start to drop, it’s going to start sucking all this (derbis) back out towards the Ohio, so the current is going to flip-flop,” Arth explained.

Along the route, homes are in various states of submersion. The Harrods Creek Post Office is under water, and the water is nearly up to the roof of Captain’s Quarters restaurant.

Despite extensive physical damage, Arth said most residents have remained safe so far.

Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS has performed one true water rescue and made five calls to assist people not in immediate danger.

Starting Wednesday, Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS will begin assessing the damage alongside other emergency agencies.

Officials urge residents to remain cautious, follow all safety guidance, and stay clear of the water — even as it begins to recede.

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