Gov. Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency Saturday afternoon due to flooding and storms that could bring up to 7 inches of rain to parts of Kentucky.
“We've seen six to seven inches of rain in some parts of our commonwealth, which has created dangerous conditions, flash floods, and I need you to be careful,” Beshear said in a video.
At least one motorist was swept away and killed by flash flooding and that Madison County could have “multiple fatalities," the governor continued.
Later Saturday, officials confirmed four deaths attributed to flooding, three in Madison County and one in Jackson County.
Five counties have declared their own states of emergency: Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer.
Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe also declared a state of emergency in city Saturday afternoon due to hazardous flooding from ongoing rainfall.
According to the city, Richmond Fire Department and Madison County emergency crews are responding to water rescues.
Richmond, Berea and Lancaster are under a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service until 7:15 p.m. Saturday.
The weather service advises people to move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.
Richmond fire requested additional water rescue teams through a regional partnership with the Bluegrass Emergency Response Team.
Numerous Madison County roads are closed due to flooding. Madison Home on Fifth Street in Richmond has opened as an emergency shelter. Those who are displaced can access food, clothing and other essential items.
The city of Richmond declared a state of emergency just after noon Saturday, allowing emergency officials to request assistance from other parts of Kentucky.
Kelley McBride, Richmond’s public information officer, said the assistance came from multiple cities and state agencies.
“Lexington, Winchester, Versailles, Georgetown and Anderson County fire departments, in addition to a Kentucky Task Force One, which is an urban search and rescue team from Kentucky Emergency Management, and also Kentucky Fish and Wildlife personnel,” she said.
McBride added that several off-duty Richmond firefighters were also called back to work.
She said the First Baptist Church, at 425 Eastern Bypass, is a staging location for displaced residents.
If you are trapped or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
For non-emergencies, such as updates on road conditions, visit ky.gov or call 1-800-255-2587.
