flash floods – At least five people were killed after severe storms and flash flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee washed out roads and forced dozens of rescues, with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear saying nearly a foot of rain in some areas surpassed previous records.
By the evening of June 28, rain had eased in parts of Kentucky, but the damage was still moving in the dark—roads gone, bridges wiped out, and water still running where vehicles once passed.
In the search-and-rescue phase, local and state public safety agencies had already completed more than 63 water rescues, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. “There are a lot of rescues going on right now. ” Beshear said in a video address on June 28. as officials pressed on through the aftermath of severe storms that triggered flash floods in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Heavy rainfall pummeled central and southeastern Kentucky in two rounds of storms. In some areas, nearly a foot of rain fell—surpassing previous rainfall records and overwhelming communities. Beshear said at least four people died in the storms; counting subsequent deaths reported in specific counties brings the toll to at least five.
Kentucky’s governor said the flooding devastated communities across the state and took the lives of “four children of God, gone too soon.” While search operations continued, he said Kentucky was surveying damage and would request federal assistance.
Beshear added that more than 63 water rescues had been conducted by local and state public safety agencies. “People have lost their homes and so much more, and this type of support will be essential as we work to recover and rebuild together,” he said.
In Madison County, the coroner’s office said three people died, including a man and woman found in a flooded basement. Another man died in a weather-related car accident, the coroner said. Their identities have not been released.
Hardin County reported a juvenile death after a car overturned in a flooded creek, according to WAVE 3 News. The driver and another juvenile were treated and released from a local hospital. Police said the driver was arrested on DUI and first-degree assault charges, local news outlets reported.
In Tennessee’s Grainger County, WVLT reported that a mother died on June 28 after rescuing her son from floodwaters. The woman, Mary Evelyn Nicole Manning-Kellione, 39, managed to pull the boy out of harm’s way, but did not escape the raging flash flood.
By the evening of June 28, most of the rain had dissipated, though search and rescue operations were still ongoing in some parts of Kentucky.
The scale of the response matched the speed of destruction. Beshear declared a statewide emergency, and at least 18 cities and counties in Kentucky issued emergency declarations over the weekend.
In Madison County—where flooding was worst—Beshear’s office said at least 320 homes were without water and 17 households sought temporary shelter.
As officials asked residents to stay put, Beshear warned people away from roads. “If you can stay off the roads, do. Bridges have been wiped out, entire roads have been wiped away and there is still standing and moving water,” he said, urging drivers to keep routes clear for emergency responders.
The immediate danger is still present, even as the storm moves on. Emergency crews are still searching, and Kentucky is preparing to quantify the damage and ask the federal government for public and individual assistance as communities begin the difficult work of recovery and rebuilding.
Kentucky floods Tennessee flash flooding Andy Beshear severe storms Madison County Hardin County Grainger County road washouts water rescues emergency declarations