Trump signs emergency declaration for Ky. as flooding combines with ‘higher than expected’ rain totals

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — State leaders have warned Kentuckians to stay in shelter on Friday, as President Trump signed an emergency declaration for the state.

The declaration came as rain continued to fall across the Bluegrass, leading already saturated and flooded areas to rise to deadly levels.

“Rain totals have been higher than expected, and conditions are serious across the state,” Gov. Andy Beshear wrote on Friday. “My request for an emergency declaration was approved, giving us the federal support we need. Swift water rescue teams are out, and we’ve received emergency response support from other states.”

Around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Garrard County Emergency Management leadership and staff worked alongside a volunteer as well as Camp Dick Fire & Rescue to start evacuating all residents of the Camp Nelson campground due to the rapid rising of the Kentucky River.

Just before 1 p.m. on Friday, Camp Dick crews announced that the evacuations had completed.

In Washington County, deputies with the sheriff’s office shared photos on Facebook of severe flooding on six different roads, with water levels rising to dangerous levels near five others.

Deputies said the flooding was very dangerous and urged the public to stay off the roads if possible.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, around 1 p.m. on Friday there were 317 state roads closed due to weather hazards.

The flooding claimed the life of 9-year-old Gabriel Andrews on Friday morning in Frankfort, according to a news release from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office (FCCO). Officials said he was pronounced dead at 9:16 a.m. after being recovered by emergency crews half a mile from where he had reportedly been swept away by flooding.

“We need everyone to understand that all water poses a risk right now,” Beshear said. “Let’s do everything possible to keep our loved ones safe.”

More information about Kentucky’s emergency declaration on Friday can be found at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website.