Kentucky flood map shows where water is rising to dangerous levels

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Flood threats remain a concern in the Commonwealth on Monday following heavy rainfall and snow through the weekend.

“Kentucky is still experiencing widespread impacts from the severe weather. We need everyone to be aware that conditions are dangerous, and folks need to stay off the roads in areas with high water,” Gov. Andy Beshear said on X, formerly Twitter, ahead of Monday’s briefing.

Severe weather has taken the lives of 11, according to the governor. He noted that the number may still grow.

“We are still in the search and rescue phase of this emergency,” the Beshear said. “There are still people that are in harm’s way, and it’s very important today that we continue to remind folks not to drive through standing water, not to drive around barricades – they are there for a reason.”

Homes have since been evacuated, with hundreds lodged in Kentucky State Parks, school districts announcing indefinite closures, and Pike County even banning unnecessary travel to the area.

Going into the weekend, all 120 counties were under a flood warning. Beshear noted that this was a rare occurrence.

As the rivers continue to crest, damage reports are widespread across the state. On Sunday, the National Weather Service noted that the Kentucky River, Rolling Fork River, Green River, and Rough River were most at risk.

The United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Water Watch Streamflow Map provides a look at flood threats across the Commonwealth, tracking rising and falling water levels, river forecasts, and even the flooding reoccurrence interval.

As of Monday afternoon, three locations were ranked as “above major flood stage,” two being along the Kentucky River:

• Kentucky River at Lock 12 near Irvine
• Kentucky River at Lock 14 near Heidelberg
• Rolling Fork near Boston

The majority of the affected areas are ranked as above the moderate flood stage.

The rankings are subject to change as rivers continue to rise.

Click here to view the USGS Water Watch Streamflow Map.