By CHRIS HOUCHENS
GlasgowNews1
Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency as severe weather and widespread flooding impact much of Kentucky, a move that includes Barren County even though the heaviest flooding has been reported farther north.
According to the Governor’s office, excessive rain is expected to continue through tonight, with some parts of the state forecast to receive as much as 7 inches of rain.
Locally, the WKU Mesonet site in Barren County recorded 1.5 inches of rain on Saturday. Between a half and three-quarters of an inch of additional rain is forecast before the current system exits on Sunday afternoon.
While Barren County has not seen the worst of the flooding so far, Beshear said flooding and high water are causing serious problems across the commonwealth.
The Governor said today that this is a serious flooding event and that teams have already had to conduct multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes.
Kentucky Emergency Management, Kentucky State Police and pre-positioned swift water rescue teams are responding to emergency requests, including a community-wide evacuation in Bullitt County, according to state officials.
Five counties — Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer — have declared local states of emergency as they deal with high water and storm damage.
In his statement, Beshear urged Kentuckians to stay off roadways after dark because of flooded roads and limited visibility, saying people need to remain alert and avoid driving when they cannot see water over the road.
State officials say Kentuckians should keep 911 lines open for life-threatening emergencies only.
For non-life-threatening situations, the state is directing people to use the State Warning Point line at 1-800-255-2587.
Officials are also encouraging drivers to check current roadway conditions through state resources before heading out.
Beshear has also implemented Kentucky’s price-gouging laws in connection with the state of emergency.
According to the Governor’s office, that step allows consumers to report suspected price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General, and businesses that overcharge during the emergency can be held accountable under state law.
Additional preparedness tips and safety information are being shared by Kentucky Emergency Management as the storm system continues to move across the state.
KEY FACTS
– Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency due to severe weather and widespread flooding across much of Kentucky
– Barren County is included in the statewide declaration, with 1.5 inches of rain recorded Saturday and more rain expected
– Up to 7 inches of rain is forecast in some parts of the state, with flooding and multiple water rescues reported
– Five counties — Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer — have issued local states of emergency
– The Governor is urging drivers to stay off the roads after dark because of flooding and limited visibility
– Kentucky Emergency Management and other state agencies are responding to water rescues and evacuations
– Price-gouging laws have been activated, allowing the state to go after businesses that overcharge during the emergency
– Flood-related deaths have been reported, and officials say they are working to confirm the details
