In response to heavy rains and flash flooding in many counties across the Commonwealth, Gov. Steve Beshear declared a statewide emergency effective April 3 to allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts.
“We have reports of heavy damage in some areas of the state already, but the threat of thunderstorms and further flooding has not cleared Kentucky yet,” said Gov. Beshear.
“By declaring a state of emergency for the entire state, we can deploy any needed state assistance, such as National Guard troops, without delay,” added Gov. Beshear.
Several counties declared states of emergency Friday, and some school districts canceled classes because high water and flash flooding made bus transport and school access impossible.
Gov. Beshear and state officials remind drivers that it is important to check travel routes in affected counties prior to getting on the road. Many roads are covered in water, and some have washed out entirely.
The Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center (CEOC), located in Frankfort, remains on alert with staffing from Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) and KYNG monitoring the situation, fielding calls and responding to requests for assistance.
Weather safety tips can be found on the Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) website at: http://www.kyem.ky.gov
(story provided by Kentucky Emergency Management)
