Snow and flooding combine to create hazards in Kentucky

PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) – Snowfall is complicating conditions in parts of Kentucky already affected by flooding. The snow, which has been falling steadily throughout the afternoon, continues to cause difficulties for residents and businesses in the area.

Locals saying how they are staying safe in these slick conditions.

Micah Seavers, the owner of Seavers Beavers & More Management, emphasized the importance of safety, not just for his business, but for the community at large. He explained that while running a business is important, the safety of employees and others on the road comes first.

“You can’t let your workers be out on the roads and be a danger to yourselves or your business or the customers or the other people out on the roads,” Seavers said. “Just because we have a business and just because we have a business to make money, doesn’t mean we need to get out on the roads.”

Seavers is not only known for his business; he is also well-regarded in the Western Kentucky community for his volunteer work. He leads a team of dedicated volunteers who help others in times of need.

In addition to his business, Seavers is involved with Camp Graves, a nonprofit organization that helps people find housing after natural disasters. I spoke with Cassy Basham, the Executive Director of Camp Graves, who noted that while few residents are currently staying at the campground due to flood damage, there are serious concerns about drivers attempting to navigate flooded roads. This has resulted in vehicles being lost—and tragically, in some cases, lives.

“We’ve been blessed that in our Graves County region, we haven’t seen housing loss or tragic loss of life like other areas have, but in these instances, every service provider immediately asks, ‘What do we do, and how can we help others?’” Basham said.

Basham explained that Kentucky has endured everything from flooding to tornadoes, but it’s the lessons learned from these events that continue to help the state recover.

“Learning. Learning from every event, every disaster, everything that hits us, we learned something new,” she said. “We are blessed in our region to have the disaster readiness center that is taking all of the things they’ve learned—especially from the tornado and floods in 2023—and using that knowledge to be better prepared moving forward.”