Governor Andy Beshear has sent his letter to President Donald Trump requesting that he declares a major disaster for Kentucky in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding, which began on April 2 and is continuing.
In his letter, the governor noted, “This event produced record rainfall, widespread tornadic activity, hurricane-force winds, and large damaging hail. The event resulted in flooded homes, residences, and businesses, and impassable roadways, loss of utilities, disruptions of critical governmental services, and fatalities. One hundred and ten (110) of Kentucky’s 120 counties received excessive rainfall. Some counties received in excess of 15 inches over the event, with at least half of the state receiving eight to 10 inches. Flood warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for 114 counties.”
More than 80 counties and 47 cities have declared local states of emergency, and last Thursday Beshear said he would seek the initial declaration for individual assistance to cover 10-12 counties, and 13 are included in the letter. They are: Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen and Woodford counties.
In addition, he requested a declaration for public assistance in 20 more: Barren, Campbell, Elliott, Estill, Floyd, Gallatin, Green, Greenup, Hickman, Johnson, Larue, Lawrence, Lee, Logan, Muhlenberg, Owsley, Pendleton, Spencer, Union and Washington counties.
Parts of western Kentucky remain under flood warnings, including some areas along the Ohio River until early next week, so the Governor notes that more counties could be added to the lists, as damage assessments continue to be submitted to Kentucky Emergency Management. Seven people died in the floods.
He has also requested Hazard Mitigation for the entire state.
Kentucky's entire federal delegation, including U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, along with Representatives Hal Rogers, Brett Guthrie, Andy Barr, James Comer, Thomas Massie and Morgan McGarvey, sent a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their support.
They stated, “Excessive rain resulted in deadly flash flooding across the Commonwealth, prompting significant rescue efforts due to blocked roads from high water, mudslides, and downed trees. Several rivers and lakes crested at near-record levels, leading entire communities to evacuate to higher ground. Tragically, several Kentuckians are confirmed dead. Hundreds of homes and businesses have been impacted. Critical infrastructure has been severely damaged, and some Kentuckians were stranded without power or safe drinking water.”
Flooding on the Forks of Elkhorn in Frankfort. -Kentucky Today
