Kentucky submerged: Deadly floods force mass evacuations, close distilleries, and prompt curfews

Kentucky is in the grip of a deadly flood crisis after a weekend of torrential rain dumped more than a foot of water across swathes of the state, pushing rivers to historic levels and swamping entire communities.

As of Monday morning, three fatalities had been confirmed. A child was killed in Frankfort, a woman lost her life in Nelson County, and a boater perished in McCracken County, as floodwaters surged through western and central Kentucky. Rescue operations have been ceaseless, with Governor Andy Beshear warning the death toll could have been far higher without swift action.

“We have seen rescue after rescue after rescue,” Beshear said, standing in front of sandbagged streets in downtown Frankfort. “It could have been so much worse.”

In the state capital, the Kentucky River reached 48.14 feet — more than 17 feet above flood stage — just shy of its all-time record. Streets turned to rivers, vehicles submerged, and buildings were swept away. Among the most jarring images: is aerial footage showing the famed Buffalo Trace Distillery entirely surrounded by muddy water. The historic bourbon facility has shut down until at least April 10, with its full damages still unknown.

Mayor Layne Wilkerson issued a mandatory curfew Sunday night, stating, “This is about safety. We need to protect lives, prevent looting, and give our first responders space to work.”

Franklin County, home to roughly 100,000 residents, is especially vulnerable. With infrastructure under strain and water systems at risk, the state is urging conservation. Governor Beshear closed state offices in Frankfort Monday, with updates on reopening expected later in the day.

The National Weather Service has logged a staggering 847 flood reports across 16 states, but Kentucky’s ordeal stands out. In towns like Benton and Hickory, rainfall totals topped 15 inches. Meanwhile, the Ohio River is expected to crest Wednesday, raising new concerns for nearby counties.

The broader weather system has impacted communities from Kansas to Pennsylvania. National flash flood reports have already surpassed 1,100 this year — a milestone typically not reached until June.

In Frankfort, footage from @Collins_Wx on X captured fire crews in knee-deep water rescuing trapped families. One woman, Kali Sanders, posted a video from outside her canoe rental store, showing the river claiming her property inch by inch.

“This is unlike anything we’ve seen,” said Sanders. “We’ve prepped for floods before — but this? This is something else.”

Elsewhere, sandbag barricades line roads, schools remain shut, and emergency shelters have been opened in affected counties. Local officials continue to urge residents in low-lying areas to evacuate.

The state is bracing for more rain in the coming days. If forecasts hold, floodwaters may persist or worsen, leaving Kentucky residents trapped in a prolonged state of emergency.

As rescue boats roam inundated neighbourhoods and streets remain silent under curfew, one thing is clear — this flood has changed the face of Kentucky, possibly for good.