Kentucky Swamped Again

 A three-day rain and severe storm event dropped more than a foot of rain across much of the Commonwealth last week but spared Breathitt County from the worst of it.  

The storm pulled moisture from the Gulf of America (formerly Mexico) and mixed with a huge early spring storm to bring high winds, strong lightning, torrential rains, and at least two tornados to the state.

Governor Andy Beshear reported that four Kentuckians had died as a result of the powerful storm system that impacted more than ten midwestern and southern states.  Across the United States, a total of 25 deaths were reported to state and federal agencies.  

In Breathitt County, the Jackson National Weather Service Office reported 5.2 inches of rain that fell during the April 2-4 period.  The most severe issues resulted from flash flooding and were located in the state's far western and central sections.   Hopkinsville recorded just over 13.9 inches of rain for the same period.

Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency and closed all non-essential state offices on Friday.

Breathitt County had its share of issues with downed trees, clogged ditch lines, mudslides, and flooding.  The Kentucky River at Jackson did not reach full flood stage but did leave its banks in some areas.

The Jackson Fire Department performed several high or swift water rescues, primarily in the Highway 540 and Frozen Creek areas.  They assisted several individuals trapped by a destroyed bridge in crossing the stream.

Fire Crews and Dylan Baker, Breathitt County Emergency Manager, responded to the report of a ruptured gas line in the creek on Steele Fork of Frozen. 

As waters rose and several roadways were blocked, the Breathitt County School District canceled classes on Friday, April 4, while Riverside Christian School used one of their remaining non-tradition instruction days.

Chief Meteorologist at WLEX television in Lexington, Bill Meck, calculated that 4 trillion gallons of water fell across the state during the three-day event- enough, he said, to “fill every swimming pool in America 20 times.”

By the weekend, the rain slowed, and water levels in the river started to drop in Jackson and along the North Fork as the surge of water moved downstream to other communities, including Frankfort.

County officials urge anyone with any damage in this round of storms to report it to the Breathitt County Emergency Management Office at the Breathitt County Courthouse.