HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Governor Andy Beshear says the entire state of Kentucky was affected by “historic” flooding, and the death toll has climbed to 11.
“Kentucky, we are still in the search-and-rescue phase as this deadly storm system continues to affect much of our commonwealth,” Gov. Beshear said. “Please continue to stay safe and check in on any vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors.”
Gov. Beshear said that, as of 9 a.m. Monday, there were 11 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. None of these occurred in western Kentucky. The fatalities include:
- Motor vehicle-related deaths
- Men in Hart and Nelson counties
- Floodwater-related deaths
- A man in Clay County
- A woman and a child in Hart County
- Three men in Pike County
- A woman in Washington County
- A man in Hardin County
- A man in Floyd County
Officials say ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a state of emergency. On Saturday, Gov. Beshear requested, and President Donald Trump granted, an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky. Gov. Beshear also launched the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund.
In terms of western Kentucky, Gov. Beshear and other officials gave the following information:
- Weather conditions
- One of the basins expected to have the heaviest impacts include the Green River.
- Another snowstorm is forecast for Tuesday night through Wednesday, with 2 to 6 inches of snow expected and the highest totals in western Kentucky.
- Operation teams
- Federal urban search and rescue (USAR) Teams from Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee are engaged.
- Power outages
- As of 10:20 a.m. Monday, a reported 14,416 customers were without power.
- Water outages
- As of 8 a.m. Monday, 17,245 customers were without water, and 28,070 customers were under Boil Water Advisories.
- Seven wastewater systems were not operational, and 33 wastewater systems were under limited operation.
- Kentucky National Guard
- Currently, 175 soldiers and airmen are engaged in operations, including four from the Indiana Guard.
- Kentucky State Police
- Since the morning of February 15, KSP telecommunicators have answered more than 6,600 calls for service. KSP personnel continue to assist with water rescues and welfare checks in the affected areas.
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
- Secretary Gray said roads were affected by the storm in nearly all 120 Kentucky counties.
- There are 344 state highway closures from flooding, 14 from mudslides and three from rockslides.
- Emergency shelters
- As of 8 a.m. Monday, 12 emergency shelters were helping those affected by the storms. Two of these are at Henderson County Public Library and The Harbor House of Men.
- Emergency prescription refills
- Gov. Beshear signed an executive order allowing Kentucky pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication.
- Rapid Needs Assessment
- If anyone has immediate needs that are not life-threatening, please complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. Some of these needs include:
- Power is out or inconsistent
- No heat or very little heat
- Individuals with medical needs or disabilities
- No food or unable to cook
- No or very little drinking water
- Unable to leave house due to weather and no transportation
- Phone issues
- Unable to leave vehicle
- Checking on a loved one
Drivers are urged to go here to check traffic conditions before traveling.