KY Gov. Beshear declares State of Emergency in western KY due to heavy rain, flooding

(KBSI) – Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency following heavy rainfall that caused flooding in western Kentucky as well as parts of central and eastern Kentucky.

Mayfield in Graves County, which is still recovering from the devastating tornadoes of 2021, has been impacted by the heavy rains and flooding.

“Please pray for Mayfield and areas of Western Kentucky impacted by significant flooding from last night’s storms,” Gov. Beshear said. “We’re working to assess the damage and respond. Just like every challenge we’ve faced, we will be there for all those affected. We will get through this together.”

Gov. Beshear also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in Kentucky can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.

Five Kentucky Emergency Management area managers have mobilized to western Kentucky. There have been no fatalities or reports of missing people. Multiple rescues and home evacuations were conducted. Several roads were closed. As of Thursday morning, 505 homes were without power. That is down from 19,433 on July 18.

Five counties – Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman and Lee – and five cities – Arlington, Bardwell, Clinton, Cumberland and Mayfield – have declared states of emergency.

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the region Thursday, July 20 and through the night. The main impacts will be damaging winds, lightning and heavy rainfall. Flash flooding is a concern in areas that were impacted this week. Gov. Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to stay alert and to be weather aware

Key Actions:

• The governor declared a state of emergency and activated price gouging laws.
• The State Emergency Operations Center has activated to level 3, bringing in state partners.
• Five Kentucky Emergency Management Area Managers mobilized to the area.
• Swift Water Search and Rescue teams statewide were put on alert in case needed.

Incident Summary

• No fatalities, no missing persons at this time.
• Multiple rescues in multiple counties from people in vehicles on flooded roadways, not swift water, and several homes in Carlisle, Graves, Hickman and McCracken counties.
• Some reports of home rescues.

Power Outages

• There were 5,791 power outages as of 11:55 a.m. EDT with the highest total in Calloway County at 1,400.

The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, year-round, confidential crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster.