Gov. Andy Beshear implored Kentuckians to stay safe as the commonwealth deals with severe flooding from heavy rain and snow storms over the weekend.
While the storm’s impacts were felt in Northern Kentucky through heavy snow and rainfall, western, southern and southeastern Kentucky regions were hit the hardest.
Kenton County had issued a Level 1 Snow Emergency on February 16 but rescinded it at 10 a.m. this morning. Campbell County issued a Level 2 Snow Emergency due to dangerous winter weather conditions, including snow and icy roads, but has since downgraded to a Level 1 Snow Emergency.
Learn more about what the different levels of snow emergencies are here.
During a press conference at 9 a.m. Monday, Beshear announced there were 11 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather.
The fatalities included motor vehicle-related deaths of men in Hart and Nelson counties and floodwater-related deaths of a man in Clay County, a woman and a child in Hart County, three men in Pike County, a woman in Washington County, a man in Hardin County and a man in Floyd County.
“Kentucky, we are still in the search-and-rescue phase as this deadly storm system continues to affect much of our commonwealth,” Beshear said in a press release from the governor’s office. “Please continue to stay safe and check in on any vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors.”
On February 14, Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the storms. The next day, President Donald Trump issued an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky.
According to a press release from the White House, the declaration deploys the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.
Current weather conditions
Flooding along rivers and creeks is among the state’s most significant concerns. According to the release, the Kentucky River, Rolling Fork, and Green River basins are expected to have the heaviest impacts.
Another snowstorm is forecast for Tuesday night through Wednesday. Two to six inches of snow are expected, with the highest totals in western Kentucky.
Operations teams
Federal urban search and rescue (USAR) teams from Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee are engaged in Kentucky.
Power Outages
As of 10:20 a.m. Monday, a reported 14,416 customers were without power.
Water Outages:
As of 8 a.m. Monday, 17,245 customers were without drinking water, and 28,070 customers were under Boil Water Advisories. One water system was offline, and 28 systems were operating with limited operations.
Seven wastewater systems were not operational and 33 were operating only partially. Nine wastewater plants were experiencing bypasses, and six systems were experiencing discharges from portions of their collection systems.
Kentucky National Guard
Currently, 175 soldiers and airmen are engaged in operations, including four from the Indiana Guard.
Kentucky State Police
Since the Feb. 15, KSP telecommunicators have answered more than 6,600 calls for service. KSP personnel continue to assist with water rescues and welfare checks in the affected areas.
Kentucky State Parks
Currently, 143 people are being sheltered at four Kentucky state resort parks:
- Buckhorn Lake: 2 adults
- Jenny Wiley: 90 adults, 23 children
- Natural Bridge: 16 adults, 9 children
- Pine Mountain: 2 adults, 1 child
Beshear said more rooms are open and available as needed.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
According to Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray, the storm impacted roads in nearly all 120 Kentucky counties. This includes 344 roads affected by flooding, 14 by mudslides, and three by rockslides.
Crews across the state continue to monitor high water and assess road damage as flood waters recede.
Driver’s license offices in Prestonsburg, Pikeville and Manchester are closed today, with no access due to flooded roads.
Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
Emergency Shelters
As of 8 a.m. Monday, 12 emergency shelters were helping those affected by the storms:
- Lee’s College Gymnasium and Jackson City School in Breathitt County;
- Paces Creek Elementary School and Laurel Creek Church of God in Clay County;
- Henderson County Public Library and The Harbor House of Men in Henderson County;
- First Baptist Church in Knox County;
- Lawrence County Community Center in Lawrence County;
- Martin County Middle School in Martin County;
- McCreary County School Gym in McCreary County;
- Senior Center in Owen County; and
- New Life Church in Pulaski County.
Emergency Prescription Refills
Beshear signed an executive order allowing Kentucky pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication.
If someone has immediate needs that are not life-threatening, the governor’s office is asking affected Kentuckians to complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. If there is an emergency or life-threatening situation, Kentuckians should dial 911 for immediate available assistance.