Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Addresses Severe Storms, Flooding, and Recovery Efforts

Storm Devastation and Casualties

• ⚠️ Four days of severe storms have caused widespread devastation across Kentucky, leading to significant flooding.
• 💔 Sadly, two individuals have lost their lives due to floodwaters: a child in Frankfort and a woman in Nelson County.
• 🔍 A missing person in McCracken County is currently being searched for, with ongoing concerns.

Public Safety and Warnings

• 🚗 Governor Beshear urges extreme caution, emphasizing that the event is not over until waters recede and areas are dry.
• 🚫 Do not drive through floodwaters or move barricades, as this can lead to harm or death for oneself and others.
• 🥶 A dangerous night is anticipated with temperatures potentially falling below freezing, raising concerns of hypothermia for those in wet conditions or damaged homes.
• 🏠 Shelters are available, and finding a safe, warm place is crucial for recovery efforts.

Infrastructure and Recovery Efforts

• 💧 In Frankfort, water conservation is critical to allow the plant board to restore pumps and ensure safe, reliable water.
• 💡 While water levels in Frankfort are not expected to be as high as initially feared, and levies are holding, other areas downstream may still experience rising waters.
• ⚡ Over 1,700 connections are without power, and over 1,100 are without water across the Commonwealth.
• 🛠️ Over 538 state roadways are closed due to flooding, with more than half in western Kentucky.

Support and Resources

• 🤝 The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is open for ongoing emergencies and natural disasters, with funds used for funerals and direct aid to families.
• 🆘 A call center is available for assistance at 502-607-665.
• 🛡️ The Kentucky National Guard has mobilized 354 soldiers and airmen to assist with rescues and support.
• 🇺🇸 The governor expressed gratitude for swift disaster declarations from President Trump and Secretary Gnome, and for FEMA's responsive assistance.

Community Response and Preparedness

• 📢 Effective messaging from the communications team and media outlets is credited with saving lives by allowing people to prepare.
• 🗺️ A go-to website, goky.ky.gov, is available for updates on state highway conditions.
• 🙏 The governor thanked all first responders, state and local officials, and volunteers for their tireless efforts in protecting the people of Kentucky.