Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Saturday as central Kentucky flooding killed at least three people and emergency crews kept pulling people from vehicles and homes. He warned Kentucky residents in a video message not to drive after dark, while water rescues continued across counties hit by heavy rain and multiple thunderstorms.
Madison County deaths
Jimmy Cornelison said three adults died in the flooding in Madison County. Beshear said a motorist was swept away and killed, and he said one fatality was suspected in Jackson County.
Beshear said the storms brought six to seven inches of rain in some parts of Kentucky. Through Saturday, many counties remained under a flood watch from the National Weather Service, with more rain still a risk for roads already under water.
Bullitt County evacuation notice
Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer counties declared local states of emergency as responders worked on Saturday. Beshear said five search and rescue teams were sent to the Madison County area, and high-axle vehicles were being used to reach people trapped by rising water.
Bullitt County issued an urgent evacuation notice for some residents in Lebanon Junction after reporting a moderate dam failure. It later said flood waters may be starting to recede in some areas, but the danger was not over.
Rescues through Saturday night
An emergency landing station opened for flood victims at Madison Home as crews continued water rescues from vehicles and homes. Beshear told residents, “We know we’ve already lost at least a handful of Kentuckians. I don’t want to lose any more. Be safe, everyone,” putting the day’s priority on getting people out before night travel and rising water added more risk.
By Saturday night, the main unanswered question was how high the death toll would climb statewide. Beshear had already signaled more losses could still be added, and the rescue effort was still active when the day ended.
