Heavy rain that moved in from Ohio and Tennessee over the weekend has caused significant flooding in several counties across Kentucky, reported the Lexington Herald Leader.
Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Sunday, reported The Weather Channel.
Local emergencies were declared in 13 counties and cities across Kentucky, including Breathitt, Calloway, Casey, Elliott, Estill, Johnson, Knott, Magoffin, Owsley, Perry, and Pike counties, as well as the cities of Paintsville and Salyersville.
A flood warning was issued for the Kentucky River near Ravenna in Estill County until Thursday afternoon. In addition, the National Weather Service warned of flooding along the Licking River near Salyersville, and on the Ohio River in several Kentucky counties.
The high flood waters have left some homes evacuated, drivers stranded, and roads completely impassable. There have also been many emergency rescues.
Michael Dossett, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Managment stated, "The impact of extremely heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the commonwealth led to numerous emergency rescues and evacuations in counties from west to east."
The Estill County Emergency Management Agency warned in a Facebook post, "This will be a historical flood! If you live in flood prone areas evacuate now."
Rivers are reaching record highs. The Kentucky River was at 34 feet, and according to a Monday forecast, it is expected to reach 37 feet. The flood stage for that area is 21 feet.
In addition the South Fork of the Kentucky River was observed at 43.5 feet, with a flood stage of 27 feet.
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