Kentucky has been hit by “catastrophic and historic” flash floods, as homes and cars are swept away and power has been cut for more than 20,000 people, while some are trapped in their homes.
Megastorms across the state have dumped up to 10 inches of rain overnight as Kentucky suffers “one of the worst flash floods ever.”
“We are dealing with a catastrophic and historic flash flood in parts of the region,” WYMT reporter Steve Hensley said on Twitter.
“I’ve never seen water like that pouring down the hill behind my house. People are trapped and houses and roads are flooded. A flash flood emergency continues for several provinces. I pray that no one has lost their life. I’m afraid the devastation we’ll see after daybreak will be considerable.’
Chris Bailey, WKYT’s chief meteorologist said, “I have no words to describe the amount of devastation that daylight will uncover in eastern Kentucky.
“This will likely go down in history as one of the worst flash floods to ever hit the state.”
According to WYMT, the flooding has been so severe that power has been cut off for more than 20,000 customers.
And flooded roads will keep crews from recovering for some time, Appalachian Wireless told the local station.
There were up to 30 rescues underway in Hazard, one of the hardest hit areas, as of 4am this morning, local station WTVQ reports. And the fire service has said it needs help because of the overwhelming amount of work.
Houses in state are flooded with murky rainwater and swollen rivers are sweeping cars
Streets in eastern Kentucky are inundated with lashings of rain after flash floods hit the state overnight
Jackson Branch Road in Clay County is completely flooded with cars and vans almost completely submerged
Homes in the area have been flooded with murky rainwater and swollen rivers are sweeping cars
Chris Bailey, WKYT’s chief meteorologist said: ‘I have no words to describe the amount of devastation that daylight will uncover in eastern Kentucky’
Homes in the state are flooded by the severe flooding
Floyd County has declared a state of emergency over severe flash floods that hit Kentucky overnight
There are numerous severe weather warnings across the state, and in Breathitt County, the courthouse has opened as a shelter for people displaced by the floods.
The county emergency department said: “Many roads in the county are flooded and impassable. Please stay off the road if at all possible tonight.
“The courthouse is currently open to people displaced by the rising waters if you have no other place to go.”
Rowan County teacher Allison Slone said in a social media post, “Please pray for the people of eastern Kentucky. Our friends and family lose everything. I’ve never seen flooding like I see in pictures. Complete destruction in some areas. People locked up. Flooding houses that have never been flooded before. People and houses are being washed away.’
There are numerous severe weather warnings across the state and in Breathitt County the courthouse has opened as a shelter for people displaced by the floods
State Governor Andy Beshear wrote: ‘Kentucky, please be aware of the weather’
The National Weather Service says life-threatening flash flooding is possible in multiple counties, including Breathitt, Perry, Owsley, Knott and Clay.
Four hours ago, at least five rescue operations were underway in Perry County.
The Weather Channel wrote on Twitter that most flash flood warnings are in effect in eastern Kentucky.
State Governor Andy Beshear wrote, “Kentucky, please be aware of the weather.
Heavy rainfall is expected across the Commonwealth through Friday, with possible flooding in the eastern part of the state. Please stay alert and take all precautions to protect yourself and others.’
In addition to his warning message, he uploaded a photo showing the predicted rainfall across the state through Friday.
Parts of eastern Kentucky are undergoing a frantic cleanup, with some residents saying rainwater is up to their knees.
At Abbott Creek Road in northern Floyd County, the road was sometimes completely submerged. David Stumbo, who lives in that area, has some water in his basement, but compared to some of his neighbors, he considered himself lucky, according to Local media.
Stumbo, who said the water was up to his knees, said it happened twice in the three years he lived there. He said some of his trash cans had even floated across the road.