Eastern neighbors of Barren County declare emergencies amid heavy rain
Kentucky remains under a statewide state of emergency due to extensive flooding.
BURKESVILLE, Ky. — Heavy rainfall continued to batter south-central Kentucky on Sunday, prompting emergency declarations in counties east of Barren County as flooding damaged roads and created hazardous travel conditions.
Cumberland County Judge/Executive Luke King declared a state of emergency Sunday, citing widespread flooding and concerns about damage to roadways across the county. Nearby Clinton County also declared a state of emergency as heavy rain moved through the region.
King said roads throughout Cumberland County have been compromised, with additional damage likely still hidden beneath floodwaters.
“We have roads all over the county that have been compromised and more still that we can't yet see,” King said.
Kentucky Lantern Staff
While water covering roadways is an immediate hazard, King said the greater concern is what floodwaters may have done beneath the pavement.
“The pavement may appear fine, but the rushing waters may have removed the base or whole tiles from underneath the pavement,” he said. “Those situations are accidents waiting to happen.”
King urged anyone who must travel to do so slowly and with caution. He also asked residents who do not need to be on the roads to remain at home to reduce unnecessary calls for emergency responders.
“This isn't a restriction of your personal freedoms,” King said. “It's a sincere request to help reduce the number of situations where our first responders and local government teams have to risk their lives to save someone else. If for no other reason, stay in so that those brave men and women on the front lines can avoid any unnecessary risks.”
County officials continue to monitor flooding and assess damage as rainfall continues.
King said local officials have already been contacted by neighboring communities and state partners asking what assistance is needed.
For now, he said, the county's priorities are allowing time to assess the situation, encouraging residents to stay home, maintaining communication with state officials and preparing the community for recovery once floodwaters recede.
“This rain isn't over and the damage we can see is only a small portion of what we're facing,” King said. “Please encourage your friends and neighbors to stay in and stay safe.”
Officials are encouraging residents throughout the region to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to watch for additional updates as conditions continue to change.
Earlier declarations in Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer counties remain active. Kentucky also remains under a statewide state of emergency.
