Search and rescue efforts continue in Kentucky as death toll rises to 11 amid floods

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Weather-related hazards over the weekend have taken the lives of 11 people in Kentucky, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.

The governor and other state officials held a news conference Monday morning regarding damage from “historic flooding” across the Commonwealth as well as the state’s response.

“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,” Beshear said on X, formerly Twitter, ahead of the briefing.

Beshear confirmed two additional deaths on Monday morning, bringing the total weather-related fatalities to 11. A man in Hardin County has died, as well as a man in Floyd County. He noted that the number may still grow.

As previously reported, the other fatalities include:

• Motor vehicle-related deaths of men in Hart and Nelson counties
• Floodwater-related deaths of a 73-year-old man in Clay County, a woman and a 7-year-old child in Hart County, three men in Pike County, and a woman in Washington County

“We are still in the search and rescue phase of this emergency,” the governor 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.”

Beshear said he’s headed to Pikeville on Monday to tour the damage and speak with families affected.

Currently, authorities said 143 people are being sheltered at four Kentucky State Parks—Jenny Wiley, Pine Mountain, Natural Bridge, and Buckhorn Lake—and shared that there are more rooms available for those who need them.

Additionally, there are 12 emergency shelters open across the state as of 8 a.m. Monday:

• Breathitt County
  • Lee’s College Gymnasium
  • Jackson City School
• Clay County
  • Paces Creek Elementary School
  • Laurel Creek Church of God
• Henderson County
  • Henderson County Public Library
  • The Harbor House of Men
• Knox County
  • First Baptist Church
• Lawrence County
  • Lawrence County Community Center
• Martin County
  • Martin County Middle School
• McCreary County
  • McCreary County School Gym
• Owen County
  • Owen County Senior Center
• Pulaski County
  • New Life Church

Around 344 state and federal roads are closed across all 120 counties, according to officials, with at least 14 from mudslides and three from rockslides. They said this may be a record number for closures across the state and are most heavily in western, southern, and southeastern Kentucky. The public is encouraged to check GoKy.Ky.gov for the latest traffic and road conditions.

“Among the biggest concerns this week is flooding along rivers and creeks. The basins expected to have the heaviest impacts include the Kentucky River, Rolling Fork and 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,” the governor’s office said following the news conference.

Officials provided the following safety tips:

• Watch your step. Floodwaters often hide sharp and dangerous debris, like broken glass and metal. Floodwater can also be contaminated with oil, gasoline or sewage.
• Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear such as boots, gloves and safety glasses when moving debris.
• Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a storm, or if it is wet, to prevent being electrocuted. Report any utility issues to your local utility company.
• Flooded homes are hazards. Get a professional to check for loose wires, mold and hidden damage before re-entering.
• Use generators or other gas-powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows.
• Never drive into a road covered with flowing water. One foot of flowing water can sweep a car off the road; two feet will carry away an SUV or pickup. Even six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Never walk or drive through swift water. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Respect barricades and posted signage. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around. You’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of first responders.
• If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop.

Those interested in donating to people affected by the flooding can visit the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund at teamkystormrelieffund.ky.gov. Beshear said the first use of this fund goes toward paying for funerals so families don’t have to wait around for reimbursement.

Anyone facing immediate needs is asked to fill out the rapid needs form at KYEM.KY.gov or by calling 502-607-6665. Those in a life-threatening situation or emergency are urged to call 911.