Kentucky Flood Victims Await Receding Waters Before Returning Home
After days of relentless rain pushed Kentucky’s rivers to near-record highs, many residents are eager to return to their flooded homes. However, high water levels continue to delay their return.
Severe flooding hit numerous towns across Kentucky as powerful storms swept through the South and Midwest, leaving dozens dead across multiple states. At least six fatalities were reported in Kentucky. The rising Ohio and Kentucky Rivers overflowed in cities like Louisville and the state capital, Frankfort.
In Lockport, located just over 50 miles from Louisville, floodwaters submerged vehicles and buildings. Aerial photos show homes surrounded by muddy water.
Franklin County resident Susan Williams returned home with her pets after evacuating. She used a small boat to bring them back to the house built by her parents, now surrounded by water. “It’s my little paradise,” she said.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced that floodwaters in Frankfort were gradually receding, and he hoped most residents would be able to return home by Wednesday. He urged people to avoid driving through floodwaters, emphasizing safety over property.
Flood warnings remain in effect along the Ohio River in areas like Henderson and Owensboro. Emergency crews are on standby for possible rescues.
Frankfort officials imposed a curfew, redirected traffic, and shut off utilities in some areas as the Kentucky River peaked just below its 1978 record. Water service has been restored, but wastewater systems are still offline. About 800 customers remain without water, and nearly 4,000 are under boil water advisories.
Storms across the region have killed at least 25 people. Tennessee reported 10 deaths, with others in Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, and Mississippi. The National Weather Service reported 157 tornadoes between March 30 and April 6.
In Louisville, the Ohio River was expected to crest around 37 feet before beginning to recede. The city evacuated 66 people from a hotel surrounded by water.
In the small town of Monterey, most of the 110 residents evacuated. Steve Carter, who lives on higher ground, sheltered his father-in-law and noted that people were now just waiting to begin cleanup.
In Frankfort, Glenns Creek Distilling narrowly avoided flooding in its main facility. However, a nearby warehouse remained underwater. Owner David Meier was back in on Tuesday but said it would take more time before they could fully assess the damage to equipment and bourbon barrels.
This is just the latest in a string of severe weather events to hit Kentucky in recent years. In early 2025, storms claimed 24 lives. In 2021, tornadoes killed 81 people, and historic flooding struck eastern Kentucky the following summer.
In Lockport, Wanona Harp has been using a boat to reach her flooded home to care for animals she relocated to higher ground. Some homes are completely submerged, with only rooftops visible.
Meanwhile, neighbors in Frankfort have started setting up for cleanup efforts, preparing supplies and organizing help for those with flooded basements and water-damaged homes.
“It’s going to be a mess,” said local resident Carly Cockley, who is already planning cleanup efforts starting with homes on higher ground.
