Floodwaters continue to recede in central Kentucky, while rivers in the west are not expected to crest until later this week, and authorities have now confirmed that at least seven Kentuckians have lost their lives in the floodwater.
Those deaths have occurred in Bullitt, Carroll, Franklin, McCracken, Nelson, Pendleton, and Trigg counties, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. “Please add these families to your prayers. Let’s show them we love them and they’re not alone during this difficult time.”
He also noted, “Let’s remember that this is still a dangerous threat. We don’t want to lose anyone else to floodwaters. That means everyone needs to continue to take the threat seriously and never drive through standing water.”
As of late last week, 353 state roads were closed, 341 by high water and 12 by mudslides or rockslides. This is down from more than 550 roads closed at the peak of the flood. Bridge inspections and highway damage assessments are under way: 85 bridges have been inspected, four with issues, including on KY 1462 in Marshall County and Tim Road bridge in Graves County.
State highway crews continue to place barricades, help people detour around high water and clear roads of mudslides and debris while making repairs where possible. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet warns that in addition to not driving through standing water, for your safety, do not pass barricades, signs or cones. For a full list of state highway closures and detours, visit GoKy.ky.gov.
(Photo: Flooding near the intersection of Spurrier Rd. and Flint Hill Rd., courtesy of Dustin Knight)
By Tom Latek, Kentucky Today
