Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear has proclaimed a state of emergency.
This state of emergency is due to extreme weather that hit several parts of the state, per a press release from the State’s Office.
According to a press release from the National Weather Service, severe weather is being generated by a powerful weather pattern hitting many portions of eastern, western, and south-central Kentucky.
Gov. Andy Beshear declared a State of Emergency today due to a powerful severe weather system generating heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail and strong straight-line winds impacting much of Western, Eastern and South Central Kentucky.
Read more: https://t.co/uC245gMsrl pic.twitter.com/viO9steHKX
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) January 1, 2022
The Impact on Counties
As a consequence of the extreme weather, flash floods, power outages, and damage to public facilities and private property were all reported in the area.
Per the announcement, two to five inches of rain are forecast throughout the day in parts of Kentucky, accompanied by a cold front later in the evening that could hamper response operations.
Flash flooding caused multiple lane closures and water rescues in Green, Barren, Owsley, Adair, Taylor, Casey, and Breathitt counties, along with other nearby areas.
According to a press statement from the governor’s office, high water was closing all or most sections of various roadways in Floyd, Knott, and Pike counties, as of midday.
Casey County and Owsley County have both proclaimed states of emergency on a local level. According to official records, Casey County saw a total of 5.25 inches of rainfall.
A tornado impact was recorded in Hopkinsville, inflicting extensive damage to businesses in the area. In contrast, a potential tornado strike was reported in Taylor County, causing serious damage to many homes.
Logan, Washington, Simpson, and Marion counties have all been given severe thunderstorm alerts, as well.
Words of Advice From the Governor
Governor Beshear said it is heartbreaking that they are experiencing catastrophic weather once again, only a few weeks after the fatal tornadoes that struck Western Kentucky.
He also expressed regret that certain counties have been adversely affected by both of these incidents. They will, however, continue to watch the weather and offer any necessary updates as needed.
Furthermore, he advised everyone should be aware of this issue, remain safe, and take safety measures if necessary, according to a news release from Kentucky Emergency Management.
Staff members from the Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Mass Transit Cabinet, Kentucky State Police, and Kentucky Ministry of Public Health are watching the situation from the State Emergency Operations Center.
KY Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett tells @Boris_Sanchez there were 4 tornado tracks in the state–one at least 200 mi long. He says the system won't exit KY until around 10a, adding it'll be "one of the most significant, the most extensive disasters" KY has faced. pic.twitter.com/J3aaXP9dfx
— Ali Main (@alisonkmain) December 11, 2021
According to Michael Dossett, head of the Kentucky Emergency Management Agency, severe weather sadly continues to wreak havoc on the state as they enter the new year.
It also has consequences across the state’s south-central counties, including heavy rain, severe flooding, tornadoes, and constant squall lines.
He went on to advise the citizens to kindly give way to rescue workers who are working throughout many counties today and avoid traveling on main transport lines if at all feasible.
