Catastrophic Flooding hits Kentucky with more bad weather to come
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
High water has hit the region hard with several deaths reported, buildings destroyed, homes evacuated, people stranded and several rescue missions by area fire and rescue departments.
One could say 2025 has definitely piled it on in our area weather-wise.
In Lawrence County, after heavy rains, powerful winds, major flooding over the weekend then icy roads and snow Monday morning, Feb. 17, people are bunkered down for yet another snow storm that is being predicted before the week is over.
A lot of people won’t be able to restock provisions they’ve used while being flooded in their homes if they get the snow as predicted.
Some are afraid they, more than likely will still be surrounded by flood water when the snow storm hits later this week.
Lawrence County Emergency Management Director, Travis Hughes has worked overtime keeping citizens of the county informed of heavy rain and winds, while also traveling throughout the county taking pictures and reporting as water was coming out of the river and creek banks and covering roadways.
As snow and icy conditions hit Sunday evening (Feb. 16) and Monday morning travel conditions worsened for those who were able to escape high water to commute to work.
According to Director, Hughes, “No major issues have been reported throughout the flooding, but there have been four evacuations where they’ve rescued a total of 16 people Monday and Tuesday.”
This was a mixture of emergencies such as water getting in their homes, people without food and without heat.
Hughes also reported that there were three calls in the Louisa area where people attempted to drive thru high water and had to be assisted.
During Tuesday’s LC Fiscal Court meeting, Judge Executive Phil Carter addressed the flood situation saying many have been rescued by boat from their homes, by area fire departments and first responders.
Judge Carter also addressed mudslides and impassable roads during the meeting.
“We are working as hard as we can to get roads cleared,” he said. “We have mudslides in two areas and we are monitoring the floodwater and taking care of people who are calling. We will be dealing with roads that are school bus routes and making them priority once we can get to them when the water goes down. Any one having problems can call on us and we will be there to help you.”
The number to call is 606-638-4102, if it’s an emergency 911.
Lawrence County residences has seen water start to slowly decline after it crested at 42.15 ft. Tuesday afternoon.
In Martin County, Kentucky State Police sent out helicopters from the Kentucky National Guard and in a combined effort with Indiana National Guards successfully airlifted 296 people who were stranded.
Emergency Management is asking for everyone who has been affected by the recent weather event and flooding to document and photograph any damages before starting the clean-up process as the MCEM is in the process of coordinating resources to assist with damage assessments within the county.
At the beginning of the flood, Martin County School District established a Warming Station at Inez Elementary School with their FRYSC and the Martin County Health Department. They are available for anyone who requires assistance due to flooding and can be reached at the school at 1-606-298-3428. The following individuals are available to assist you: Regina Smith, Jessica Jewell, Lindsy Muncy, Jessica Dye, Andrea Wilson, and Amanda Fields. For further assistance contact 606-298-3211. The National Guard, along with Fire and Rescue teams, is collaborating with them to ensure everyone’s safety.
Kermit reported their crest was at 51 ft. Monday morning.
In Johnson County, the town of Paintsville, showed many of their streets including Euclid Avenue covered with water.
The river was expected to crest at 40.10 however, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Monday evening the water reached its crest at 40.02.
On a state level, Governor Andy Beshear said that, as of 9 a.m. Monday, there were 11 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, three men in Pike County, a woman in Washington County, a man in Hardin County and a man in Floyd County.
Ahead of the storm, the Governor declared a State of Emergency. On Saturday, Nov. 15, Gov. Beshear requested, and President Donald Trump granted, an emergency disaster declaration for Kentucky.
Since the morning of Feb. 15, KSP telecommunicators reported having answered more than 6,600 calls for service. KSP personnel continue to assist with water rescues and welfare checks in the affected areas.
Emergency Management Directors and first responders from all counties are expected to still be out in full force for the upcoming snow storm that has been predicted this week and urge everyone to be safe and take all precautions during these weather conditions.