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.
Five counties have declared their own state of emergency: Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer. Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe declared a state of emergency in city Saturday afternoon due to hazardous flooding from ongoing rainfall.
According to the city of Richmond, the Richmond Fire Department and Madison County emergency crews are responding to water rescues.
In a message posted around 3 p.m. Saturday, Beshear said one motorist in the state had been killed by flash flooding.
Richmond, Berea and Lancaster are under a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service until 5:15 p.m. Saturday.
The weather service advises people to move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.
Richmond Fire has 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.
In Rockcastle County, a flash flood warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m. for Morrill, Boone and Conway. A flash flood warning has also been issued until 4:15 p.m. for Irvine and Ravenna in Estill County. In Jackson County, a flash flood emergency is in effect until 4:45 p.m. for McKee, Sandgap and Gray Hawk. In Lincoln County, a flash flood warning continues until 7 p.m. for Stanford.
If you are trapped or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
