Thousands of people are without power in eastern Kentucky after heavy rainfall saturated the area overnight. The governor has declared a state of emergency due to the flooding. Kentucky Power is working on assessing the damage so power can be restored.
Cindy Wiseman is a spokeswoman for the utility. She said most of the outages are in southeastern Kentucky.
“About 20-thousand customers who are without power right now in the southern part of our territory, which covers all around the Hazard area, Letcher County, Perry County. Around 8 or 9 counties are affected right now.”
She said there are several elements contributing to downed powerlines.
“We’re seeing a lot of broken poles from swift water which brings down lines, to rock and mud slides that are not only blocking the road but will also bring poles down off the hillsides.”
Wiseman said it could take days to fully restore power to the area. She is warning people in the area to use caution and not touch any downed lines. Governor Beshear has declared a state of emergency to help in relief efforts.
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