At least three people were confirmed dead on Thursday after heavy rain caused massive flooding in eastern Kentucky, leaving people stranded on rooftops and others without power or water as forecasts call for even more rain .
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he expects the death toll to rise to double digits, calling it “the most severe and devastating floods” in state history. . He said storms predicted for Thursday evening and over the weekend would mean the impacts could worsen, potentially hampering both rescue efforts and power and water restoration work.
“It’s not just a disaster, it’s an ongoing natural disaster,” Beshear said.
Beshear called a state of emergency for all of Kentucky, and the National Guard was called in.
“We probably haven’t seen the worst,” Beshear said. “Unfortunately, we think we’re going to lose Kentuckians and a lot of Kentuckians will probably lose most of what they have.”
Gen. Hal Lamberton of the Kentucky National Guard said crews were working to rescue people trapped on the roofs of homes. Staff at a school were also blocked, he said.
More than 6 inches of rain fell the night before Thursday morning, leaving streets under water. Several inches were expected on Friday, and National Weather Service forecasters warned that heavy rain and flooding could continue through the weekend.
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Beshear advised people to stay in a safe place, whether with family in a non-flood zone or in a hotel.
In Perry County, 20 people were missing early Thursday, Deputy Sheriff Scott Sandlin said. The region has been hit by major flooding, with several bridges and roads covered in water and other structures destroyed, he said.
An 81-year-old Perry County woman was one of those who died in the flooding, Beshear said. He said two other people, one from Perry County and one from Knott County, also died. Additional information was not immediately available.
“Guys, I don’t know how much rain Buckhorn can handle,” Marlene Abner Stokely said in a video she posted to Facebook, showing how Squabble Creek overflowed and flooded a historic church in Kentucky. “You can see it’s pretty much taken back.”
In Breathitt County in eastern Kentucky, floodwaters blanketed roads and inundated homes and businesses. A volunteer fire department had to abandon its flooded station, authorities said.
The governor warned drivers against driving through flood waters. He said crews were investigating reports of a large truck with two people inside that may have been swept away.
“I don’t want to lose anybody else,” Beshear said.
Several residents and news outlets posted photos and videos on social media early Thursday that show water flooding streets in Buckhorn, Breathitt and Perry counties. Chris Bailey, WKYT’s chief meteorologist, described it as “one of the worst flash flood events to ever hit the state.”
Dustin Jordan, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Jackson, said over the past two days at least 6.82 inches of rain fell in Knott County, 7 inches in Perry County and about 7 inches in Breathitt County.
At least 1 to 2 inches of rain were expected between Thursday night and Friday south of Interstate 64, he said. Flash flooding was possible in some areas, according to forecasts.
Meteorologists say rainy conditions are expected through the weekend and even into next week, which could lead to more flooding.
Beshear said more than 25,000 homes and businesses were without power Thursday afternoon. A relief fund has been launched to help those affected.
Contributor: Associated Press