FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency after deadly flash flooding swept across parts of the state, leaving at least four people dead and prompting widespread rescue operations as heavy rain continued into the weekend, according to state officials. The governor said late Saturday that three fatalities had been confirmed in Madison County and one in Jackson County, while emergency crews continued searching flooded neighborhoods and responding to water rescues.
The emergency declaration allows state agencies to mobilize personnel and resources as flooding affected roads, homes and critical infrastructure across central Kentucky. Officials warned that additional rainfall could worsen conditions, with the National Weather Service maintaining flash flood warnings for parts of Kentucky and neighboring Indiana as saturated ground increased the risk of further flooding.
Beshear urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly after dark, as floodwaters continued to cover roadways. “This is a serious flooding event, where teams have already had to conduct multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes across the commonwealth,” the governor said in a statement released by his office. “As more heavy rain continues through late tonight, we need folks to remain alert and to avoid driving, especially after dark when there is limited visibility.”
State officials said emergency management personnel, Kentucky State Police and local first responders were conducting rescues in multiple communities. The governor's office reported that about a dozen state roads had become impassable because of flooding, while local authorities issued additional emergency declarations in several counties, including Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer. In Bullitt County, officials advised some residents to evacuate as a precaution after a landslide affected a dam embankment, although authorities said there was no immediate indication of dam failure.
Madison County officials said two of the victims were found inside a flooded residence in Richmond, while another person died after being swept away in a vehicle on a flooded roadway. Authorities said the fourth fatality occurred in Jackson County. Casualty figures were provided by the governor and local officials and could change as search efforts continue.
As of late Saturday, search-and-rescue operations remained underway in affected communities, and state officials continued urging residents to heed flood warnings, avoid driving through high water and monitor official emergency updates while additional rainfall was forecast through the evening.
