Governor urges Kentuckians to be vigilant as storms claim at least 8 lives 

FRANKFORT, KY - On Feb. 16, 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on severe weather affecting much of the commonwealth.

“Kentucky, we are seeing dangerous and life-threatening conditions across the state, and things are only going to get tougher due to widespread flooding and incoming weather,” Gov. Beshear said. “Please stay off the roads. If you see water over the roadway, turn around – it’s not worth it.”

The Governor said that, as of noon Sunday, there were eight confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. The fatalities include motor vehicle-related deaths of men in Hart and Nelson counties; and floodwater-related deaths of a man in Clay County, a woman and a child in Hart County, two men in Pike County and a woman in Washington County.

Ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a state of emergency. Yesterday, Gov. Beshear requested and President Donald Trump granted an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky.

The Governor was joined at Sunday afternoon’s briefing by Eric Gibson, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management; Jim Gray, secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC); and Jeremy Slinker, coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Governor said emergency crews have performed more than 1,000 rescues.

The Governor also launched the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund. To donate, click here.

Teams: Local swift water teams throughout the state are continuing to rescue in their counties. Currently, 19 active state swift water teams are operating in Eastern Kentucky, making rescues in multiple counties. Federal USAR teams from Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee are either in operation or are in route.

Kentucky National Guard: As of 9 a.m. this morning, the Kentucky National Guard has 146 soldiers and airmen actively responding to the ongoing emergency across the commonwealth. Guard response teams are either pre-positioned or currently supporting Kentucky Emergency Management missions in up to 16 counties.

Kentucky State Police: KSP telecommunicators have answered 1,802 calls for service since Saturday morning. KSP troopers and officers have assisted with more than 140 water rescues and conducted numerous welfare checks. State police also evacuated 100 patients from Landmark Nursing Home in Elkhorn City to a local church. Many of the patients were carried to safety by KSP personnel.

Kentucky State Parks: Jenny Wiley State Park is housing 86 adults and 56 children.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: More than 2,000 state highwater crew members have responded this weekend – in all 120 counties. Portions of more than 300 state roads have been blocked by flooding, slides or damage. Many more have standing water in parts of driving lanes, or from runoff. Flood and slide impacts are concentrated in Western Kentucky, along our southern border, and in Southeast Kentucky.

Emergency Shelters: Breathitt, Harlan, Knott, Lawrence, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Magoffin and Wolfe counties have emergency shelters open.

Power Outages: As of noon Sunday, about 39,315 customers were reportedly without power. This number is constantly changing.

???????Outages: Drinking water: 9,800 service connections were without water; 21,000 service connections were under boil water advisories. Wastewater: Two wastewater systems were not operational; 21 wastewater systems were under limited operation; nine wastewater plants were experiences bypasses; and six systems were experiences discharges from portions of their collection systems.

When to Call 911: If you have an emergency or life-threatening situation, dial 911 for immediate available assistance.

Rapid Needs Assessment: If you have immediate needs that are not life-threatening, please complete the Rapid Needs Assessment Form or call 502-607-6665. These needs include: power is out or inconsistent; no heat or very little heat; individuals with medical needs or disabilities; no food or unable to cook; no or very little drinking water; unable to leave house due to weather and no transportation; phone issues; unable to leave vehicle; checking on a loved one; and more.

Emergency Prescription Refills: Gov. Beshear signed an executive order allowing Kentucky pharmacists to dispense emergency 30-day refills for any non-controlled medication.

Safety Tips:

• Watch your step. Floodwaters often hide sharp and dangerous debris, like broken glass and metal. Floodwater can also be contaminated with oil, gasoline or sewage.
• Wear the appropriate protective clothing and gear such as boots, gloves and safety glasses when moving debris.
• Stay away from electrical utility equipment after a storm, or if it is wet, to prevent being electrocuted. Report any utility issues to your local utility company.
• Flooded homes are hazards. Get a professional to check for loose wires, mold and hidden damage before re-entering.
• Use generators or other gas-powered machinery only outdoors and away from windows.
• Never drive into a road covered with flowing water. One foot of flowing water can sweep a car off the road; two feet will carry away an SUV or pickup. Even six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Never walk or drive through swift water. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Respect barricades and posted signage. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around. You’re not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of first responders.
• If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.