In Frankfort, Kentucky, residents anxiously awaited the chance to return to their homes following days of relentless rainfall that has overwhelmed rivers to near-record levels, leaving several areas submerged. On Tuesday, one resident, Susan Williams, managed to return to her rural property in Franklin County with her pets. Her home, now surrounded by water, appeared as if it were set on an island. Williams, accompanied by some friends, used a small boat to ferry her four dogs and three cats back home, which holds sentimental value as it was constructed by her parents.
Efforts to manage the flooding continued in Frankfort, where water levels are slowly decreasing. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed hope that most residents would regain home access by Wednesday. However, he urged them to avoid traversing flooded areas with their vehicles. Beshear emphasized the importance of safeguarding lives over possessions, even those with sentimental value like photos and mementos.
Preparations are also underway for potential flooding along the Ohio River in places such as Henderson and Owensboro, with swift water rescue teams ready to respond if necessary. To mitigate dangers in Frankfort, traffic diversions were implemented, businesses had their utilities shut off, and a curfew was established after the Kentucky River had nearly surpassed its 1978 high-water mark. Though water services have resumed, full wastewater function remains pending, according to Beshear.
The ongoing threat of severe weather has already claimed 23 lives, including ten in Tennessee, and is part of a larger pattern that recently saw 157 tornadoes occur over a seven-day span beginning at the end of March, as reported by the National Weather Service. The flooding danger extends beyond Kentucky, affecting parts of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Indiana.
In Louisville, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced on Tuesday that no additional evacuations were anticipated along the Ohio River, which is projected to crest by Wednesday. To aid those already affected, the Louisville Fire Department assisted in relocating 66 people from a hotel surrounded by high waters. Meanwhile, over 800 residents are still without direct water access, and nearly 4,000 are under boil water advisories.
The small community of Monterey, Kentucky, saw many of its 110 residents leave due to rising waters. Steve Carter, residing on a hill, provided refuge for his father-in-law, who lives in a flood-prone area. Observing the situation, Carter remarked on the unprecedented severity of this flood during his time.
Meanwhile, Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort restarted production on Tuesday, despite part of their premises, specifically a warehouse, remaining submerged. Owner David Meier cautiously resumed operations, admitting uncertainty about the fate of some bourbon barrels affected by the water.
This is the latest instance of severe weather causing devastation in Kentucky. Just two months ago, storms led to 24 deaths as creeks overflowed and vehicles were stranded by rising waters. December 2021 saw tornadoes killing 81 people and demolishing parts of western Kentucky towns. Flooding that summer ravaged eastern regions, leading to further fatalities.
In Lockport, Kentucky, resident Wanona Harp has been temporarily staying with a friend, boating back to check on her pets she moved to higher ground. She noted that some homes are entirely underwater, with only their rooftops visible.
As the community in Frankfort prepares for another significant cleanup effort, neighborhoods have organized to tackle the aftermath. Carly Cockley, a resident planning to clean her flood-affected home, expressed a collective readiness to assist neighbors with flooded basements, indicating an intent to move progressively through areas as conditions allow.