During a Sunday press conference, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said that flash flooding in the state has led to the deaths of at least eight people, with fatalities expected to increase as rescue efforts continue.
Why It Matters
Parts of Kentucky and Tennessee received up to six inches of rain during weekend storms, causing streams to swell and areas to flood, according to the Associated Press. A levee failed in one Tennessee community on Saturday afternoon, causing a flash flood to occur.
Ahead of his Sunday press conference, Beshear said: “Kentucky, we are seeing dangerous and life-threatening conditions across the state, and things are only going to get tougher due to widespread flooding and incoming weather. Please stay alert and check on your neighbors. We will get through this together.”
President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in Kentucky and ordered federal assistance to bolster rescue efforts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also been in contact with Beshear to coordinate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance and efforts.
Around 14,000 Kentuckians, primarily in the southeast of the state, experienced power outages ahead of the storm.
What To Know
Beshear provided an update following overnight flooding and rescue efforts, revealing that at least eight people, including a child, have died, even as the state managed to stage over 1,000 water rescues.
The governor urged residents to “stay off the road” until the water recedes, therefore helping keep the number of incidents to a minimum as rescue operations continued.
“So many of these fatalities were due to attempts to drive through water, and drive through moving water, so folks, stay off the roads now and stay alive,” Beshear said, who also warned that wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour could cause further damage, pulling down trees or power lines.
The governor thanked Trump for authorizing the state of emergency declaration, especially due to the access to the federal funding that helps responders reach impacted areas across the Bluegrass State.
“This is one of the most dangerous weather events we’ve dealt with in at least a decade,” Beshear said.
Kentucky’s government website advised that state parks have opened up as shelter areas for displaced residents, and it urged residents to reach out for Rapid Needs Assessment if they are experiencing power outages, no or very little heat, emergency medical needs, food shortages, phone issues or need help checking on loved ones.
What People Are Saying
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday morning: “Widespread flooding is continuing. The statewide impact is massive, with hundreds of water rescues and multiple fatalities. Evacuations are continuing as this event will continue through today. Please be careful if you have to travel.”
Chris Bailey, chief meteorologist for local news station WKYT, wrote on X on Sunday morning: “Flood warnings and flash flood warnings are out for all of Kentucky’s 120 counties. This is the first time that’s happened in my 27-year career.”
What Happens Next?
Beshear warned that snow up to six inches is expected overnight Tuesday, saying the state would be dealing with the aftermath of the flood for “at least a week” as they look to clean up damage.
The post Kentucky Governor Gives Update on Fatalities During Flash Flood Response appeared first on Newsweek.
