National Weather Service issued urgent warnings due to dangerously increasing conditions throughout the entire state.
There are active flood warnings in Kentucky for many areas. These include the major metropolitan cities of Lexington, Louisville and other central regions.
What is the impact of Kentucky flooding?
The recent severe winter weather that has affected the east coast of the United States led to evacuations and road closures. Concerns for safety have also increased in these communities. Kentucky was unfortunately the hardest hit by these severe storms. Reports from the news agency indicate that a resident of Manchester in Kentucky aged 73 died tragically as a consequence of this extreme weather. CNNCiting information provided by the Clay County Coroner’s Office. The severity of this situation is highlighted by the loss and underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive response.
Important Information about the Kentucky Flood Emergency
Andy Beshear of Kentucky declared a state-of-emergency on Friday, in response to ongoing and anticipated heavy rains. The declaration is initially expected to last until noon on Sunday. This declaration allows state resources to be mobilized and facilitates an coordinated response.
This weekend, through the following week, river flooding will be very probable. In a recent press release Governor Beshear referred directly to NWS flood warnings, saying that significant flooding was expected in areas where heavy rain fell. In this statement, the NWS highlights the potential duration of flooding and the intensity that may occur. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepare.
According to PowerOutage.us, in addition to immediate flooding dangers, around 14,000 Kentucky residents are without electricity, especially those who live in the southeast part of the State. Pike County has been the hardest hit, adding to the difficulties faced by those already suffering from flooding.
Kentucky Emergency Operations Center has been activated by Governor Beshear to coordinate efforts statewide. Importantly, the Kentucky National Guard units have mobilized in order to aid rescue and recovery operations. The state has also enacted price-gouging laws to protect Kentuckians against overpriced products and services while they recover and clean up from the hurricane.
Alabama‘s Power Outages – A Breakdown by County
Alabama, which is adjacent to Kentucky, also experiences widespread power failures due to this same severe weather. PowerOutage.us reported that more than 191,000 Alabamans are currently without power. Outages vary significantly between counties.
- Autauga: 21.5%
- Baldwin: 1.5%
- Bibb: 23.7%
- Blount: 11.7%
- Bullock: 1.3%
- Butler: 28.2%
- Calhoun: 5.4%
- Chambers: 24.4%
- Cherokee: 1.1%
- Chilton: 26.4%
- Choctaw: 5%
- Clarke: 8.9%
- Clay: 28.7%
- Cleburne: 24.1%
- Coffee: 2.6%
- Colbert: 1.1%
- Conecuh: 24.5%
- Coosa: 66.8%
- Covington: 5%
- Crenshaw: 33.4%
- Cullman: 11%
- Dallas: 19.6%
- DeKalb: 1.2%
- Elmore: 20.7%
- Escambia: 9.3%
- Etowah: 4.3%
- Fayette: 26.7%
- Franklin: 16.8%
- Greene: 6.8%
- Hale: 59.6%
- Jackson: 0.5%
- Jefferson: 4%
- Lamar: 10.3%
- Lauderdale: 11.4%
- Lawrence: 3.9%
- Lee: 4.1%
- Lowndes: 28.7%
- Macon: 10.9%
- Madison: 0.5%
- Marengo: 10.5%
- Marion: 4.1%
- Marshall: 6%
- Mobile: 3%
- Monroe: 30.8%
- Montgomery: 6.4%
- Morgan: 1.2%
- Perry: 37.4%
- Pickens: 23.6%
- Pike: 2.4%
- Randolph: 23.1%
- Shelby: 6.1%
- St. Clair: 6.4%
- Sumter: 30%
- Talladega: 21.8%
- Tallapoosa: 34.7%
- Tuscaloosa: 16.7%
- Walker: 16.4%
- Washington: 1.4%
- Wilcox: 23.6%
- Winston: 5.1%
The Official Voices of the Front Lines
Warning: “We urge everyone to take care” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear In his announcement on Friday. It will be difficult to drive with the amount of rainfall that’s coming. Flash flooding can also create hazardous conditions, especially on our roads. Remember, do not drive in standing water. It can be dangerous and have a strong current. This message focuses on safety and alertness for all Kentucky residents in the flood emergency.
Chris BaileyThe chief meteorologist at WKYT emphasized the nature of the incident: “Flood Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings are issued in all 120 Kentucky counties.” It’s the first time I have seen this in my career of 27 years. Bailey’s declaration highlights the extreme severity and widespread nature of Kentucky floods.
Flood watch now extends to entire Kentucky Governor Beshear Posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. “This weekend, we need everyone to stay alert and be prepared—especially those who live in flood zones.”
Look Ahead to Recovery and Federal Assistance
The Governor Beshear made an announcement on Saturday night that he requested from Joe Biden a declaration of emergency. The request indicates that Kentucky’s resources may not be sufficient to respond effectively to flooding. This would require federal assistance and funding from FEMA to help support the long-term recovery effort.
Beshear, who was recently appointed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as well as FEMA’s Acting Director have also spoken directly to him about the urgent need of federal assistance.