Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Saturday after flash floods hit Madison County, KY, and killed three adults, according to Coroner Jimmy Cornelison. Beshear also warned Kentucky residents not to drive after dark as rescue crews worked through vehicles and homes.
Jimmy Cornelison in Madison County
Coroner Jimmy Cornelison said the deaths in Madison County involved three adults. Beshear said a motorist was swept away and killed by the floods, and he said one fatality was also suspected in Jackson County.
Beshear said the storms brought 6 to 7 inches of rain in some parts of Kentucky. Five counties had declared local states of emergency, and many counties remained under a flood watch through Saturday night, with heavy rainfall expected to let up by 11 p.m. local time.
Rescue teams and water rescues
Emergency responders were carrying out search and rescue operations on Saturday, including water rescues from vehicles and homes. Five search and rescue teams were sent to the Madison County area, and high-axle vehicles were being used to assist with the work.
An emergency landing station opened for flood victims at Madison Home. In a video message, Beshear said, "We know we’ve already lost at least a handful of Kentuckians. I don’t want to lose any more. Be safe, everyone," setting a broader warning as crews kept moving through flooded areas.
Bullitt County flooding
Bullitt County issued an urgent evacuation notice for some residents in Lebanon Junction after reporting a moderate dam failure. Later, Bullitt County said "flood waters may be starting to recede in some areas, but the danger is not over."
The reported deaths in Madison County and the suspected fatality in Jackson County left the toll unsettled as crews continued rescue and recovery work across the flood zone.
