What caused the flooding?
On the weekend of February 15, 2025, storms dumped several inches of rain across Eastern Kentucky. The intense rainfall swelled local waterbodies that resulted in flooding of streets and properties.
Ahead of the storm, Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency. Governor Beshear requested an emergency declaration for Kentucky on February 15, 2025, which President Trump granted.
“Kentucky, we are still in the search-and-rescue phase as this deadly storm system continues to affect much of our commonwealth,” said Governor Beshear in a press release. “Please continue to stay safe and check in on any vulnerable family members, friends and neighbors.”
The Louisville Courier Journal reported that the storm killed at least 14 people as of Tuesday February 18, 2025.
What are the current weather conditions in Kentucky?
A snowstorm is forecast for Tuesday February 18, 2025, through Wednesday with 2 to 6 inches of snow expected. The highest totals are expected to fall across Western Kentucky.
The biggest concern throughout the week is flooding along rivers and creeks. According to a Kentucky Governor press release, the basins expected to have the heaviest impacts include the Kentucky River, Rolling Fork and Green River.
How is Kentucky responding to the floods?
The state is actively responding to the floods by engaging the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky state police, state parks, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, as well as other agencies.
Kentucky National Guard: As of February 17, 2025, 175 soldiers and airmen are engaged in operations.
Kentucky State Police: Since the morning of February 15, 2025, Kentucky State Police (KSP) telecommunicators have answered more than 6,600 calls for service. KSP personnel continue to assist with water rescues and welfare checks.
Kentucky State Parks: As of February 17, 2025, 143 people are being sheltered at four Kentucky resort parks, occupying a total of 72 rooms.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: A press release stated that nearly roads were affected by the storm in nearly all 120 Kentucky counties.
State highway closures:
- 344 from flooding
- 14 from mudslides
- Three from rockslides
How has the Kentucky flooding affected water operations?
Drinking water
According to a Kentucky Governor press release, 17,245 customers were without water, and 28,070 customers were under boil water advisories as of 8 a.m. on February 17, 2025.
One water system was offline, and 28 systems were under limited operations.
Wastewater
Seven wastewater systems were not operational, and 33 wastewater systems were under limited operations as of 8 a.m. on February 17, 2025.
Nine wastewater plants were experiencing bypasses, and six systems were experiencing discharges from portions of their collection systems.
Director of the Kentucky Division of Water Sarah Jon Gaddis posted to LinkedIn stating that the data is changing quickly.
“Kentucky’s flooding has resulted in drinking water and wastewater outages and challenges across the Commonwealth,” said Gaddis on LinkedIn. “Your local crews are out working in freezing temperatures. Mutual aid is being coordinated and provided. Bottled water is being organized.”
Alex Cossin | Associate Editor
Alex Cossin is the associate editor for Waterworld Magazine, Wastewater Digest and Stormwater Solutions, which compose the Endeavor Business Media Water Group. Cossin graduated from Kent State University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Cossin can be reached at [email protected].
