Gov. Beshear Declares State of Emergency After Widespread Flooding

Western Kentucky counties impacted, as well as areas in Central and Eastern Kentucky

A video message from Gov. Beshear can be found here

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 19, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency following heavy rainfall that caused flooding in Western Kentucky as well as parts of Central and Eastern Kentucky.

Mayfield in Graves County, which is still recovering from the devastating tornadoes of 2021, has been impacted by the heavy rains and flooding.

“Please pray for Mayfield and areas of Western Kentucky impacted by significant flooding from last night’s storms,” Gov. Beshear said. “We’re working to assess the damage and respond. Just like every challenge we’ve faced, we will be there for all those affected. We will get through this together.”

The Governor also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.

The Governor said the weather is still ongoing, with the system moving slowly, and up to 2 inches more of rain is expected this afternoon. 

Key Actions:

• The Governor declared a state of emergency and activated price gouging laws.
• The State Emergency Operations Center has activated to level 3, bringing in state partners.
• Five Kentucky Emergency Management Area Managers mobilized to the area.
• Swift Water Search and Rescue teams statewide were put on alert in case needed.

Incident Summary

• No fatalities, no missing persons at this time.
• Multiple rescues in multiple counties from people in vehicles on flooded roadways, not swift water, and several homes in Carlisle, Graves, Hickman and McCracken counties.
• Some reports of home rescues.

Power Outages

• There were 5,791 power outages as of 11:55 a.m. EDT with the highest total in Calloway County at 1,400.

The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, year-round, confidential crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders and anyone in the U.S./territories struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster.