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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor, State Officials Continue to Monitor Severe Storm System
Flash flooding, tornadoes remain a threat for most of state throughout Wednesday
FRANKFORT, Ky.– Governor Steve Beshear and Kentucky’s emergency management team continue to closely watch the severe storm system moving across Kentucky today. Weather officials are investigating reports of possible tornadoes and wind damages in several areas across the state. No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
“We have instructed our local officials to begin assessing damages from this storm immediately so that needed assistance can get to citizens,” said Gov. Beshear. “We have been in close contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency since the system began moving into the state. With the potential for damaging high winds and historic flooding, we want to be as prepared as possible to help Kentuckians recover.”
On Monday, Gov. Beshear declared a state of emergency to allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts. Since the storms moved in late last week, 25 counties and 11 cities have declared local disasters. Citizens are encouraged to immediately report damages to the local emergency management office and the National Weather Service at 1-877-633-6772.
The Kentucky National Guard has deployed 83 Guardsmen to assist in water barrier and sandbagging efforts in Livingston, Ballard and Henderson counties. More Guardsmen will be deployed as needed. The state’s Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 3, which means all state Cabinets are represented at the Emergency Management team to assist in resource requests and incident management.
State officials also remain in close contact with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they monitor the levels of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Both rivers are still rising and could pose significant flooding risk.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and local health departments across the state are prepared to provide support to response efforts as needed. DPH also reminds Kentuckians that contact with flood waters should be avoided whenever possible, as they may contain contaminants that could pose health hazards. Homeowners whose homes sustained water damage are also urged to follow safety recommendations to limit mold damage and ensure proper food handling and storage. More detailed health and safety guidelines can be found at the Health Alerts website: http://healthalerts.ky.gov/.
Reports of road closures due to high water or slides continue to be reported to the Transportation Operations Center (TOC), and crews from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are responding.
As of Wednesday morning, the TOC had reports of more than 150 road closures in approximately 50 counties. KYTC engineers will be able to conduct detailed assessments of damages to roads and bridges once flood waters recede, but flooding typically leaves behind buckled or washed-out pavement on roadways and shoulders, embankment failures and eroded road beds. For road closures and conditions, please visit www.511.ky.gov, or call 511.
Emergency officials encourage individuals to use NOAA Weather Alert Radios and stay tuned to local media for weather updates and flood information.
Should you encounter a downed power line, do not approach it, call your utility provider. Should you encounter water over a flooded roadway, “Stop – Turn Around – Don’t Drown!” It only takes six inches of moving water to sweep a person off their feet and two feet of rushing water to sweep away a full-size SUV.
Weather safety tips and weather alerts by county can be found on the KYEM website at www.kyem.ky.gov.
Counties and Cities with Declared States of Emergency
Declared Counties: Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Carroll, Carter, Crittenden, Elliott, Fleming, Fulton, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Livingston, Marion, Marshall, McCracken, Morgan, Nicholas, Ohio, Spencer, Trigg, Union, Washington and Webster.
Declared Cities: Bardwell, Benton, Brandenburg, Cadiz, Calvert City, Carrollton, Hardin, Hawesville, Mount Vernon, West Liberty and West Point.
“I urge Kentuckians to take appropriate precautions as these storms continue to move through the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “The state is prepared to assist citizens and their communities for as long as the need is there.”
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