Kentucky Flooding Live Updates: Evacuations Over Fear Of Dam Breach, Death Toll Rises To 16 - The Weather Channel

• At least 16 people are dead in eastern Kentucky.
• A federal disaster declaration has been declared for 13 counties.
• Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

At least 16 people are dead in Kentucky after major flooding that left residents trapped on rooftops and entire communities under water.

Dozens of roads are blocked by debris, hundreds of people have been rescued and search efforts are still underway.

Here's the latest news (all times are listed in EDT).

(12:43 p.m.) 20+ Water Systems Affected

Twenty-one water systems were damaged or knocked out due to the flooding, according to state officials.

(12:14) Evacuations In Place After Fear Of Dam Breach

Evacuation orders remain in place for part of the town of Jackson, in Breathitt County, over fears that a dam could breach.

Water was still rising there this morning, putting pressure on the Panbowl Lake Dam.

The evacuations include a hospital, homes and businesses.

(11:42 a.m.) More Than Two Dozen State Roads Blocked

Portions of at least 28 state roads are blocked by water, landslides or other debris in eastern Kentucky, according to the state Department of transportation.

"We have bridge inspectors and engineers in the field but we're unable to even get to some of these roadways it is so bad," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a morning news briefing. "Crews are still hard at work clearing as much mud and debris as they can."

(11:31 a.m.) At Least 100 People Rescued By Air

At least 100 people have been rescued by helicopters, Beshear said in the briefing Friday morning.

National Guard assets from Tennessee and Virginia are assisting.

(11:26 a.m.) Federal Disaster Declaration Issued

President Joe Biden has issued a federal disaster declaration for 13 counties in eastern Kentucky. They are:

Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Wolfe

(11:19 a.m.) Kentucky Victims Came From Four Counties.

One additional death has been announced, bringing the total to 16.

Eleven of the people confirmed dead in Kentucky lived in Knott County, which includes the communities of Hindman, Brinkley and Garner.

One victim was from neighboring Perry County, which includes the towns of Hazard and Buckhorn.

Two were from Letcher County, which sits on the state line with Virginia and includes the communities of Whitesburg, Dongola and Jenkins.

Two victims lived in Clay County, which includes the towns of Manchester, Burning Springs and Peabody.

Coroners from all over Kentucky have responded to help and the National Guard is transporting bodies.

(8:10 a.m.) 15 Dead In Kentucky, Governor Announces

Gov. Andy Beshear posted a morning update to Twitter to announce the death toll has risen to 15.

"It'll probably more than double," Beshear said. "We know some of the loss will include children. We may have lost entire families."

Here our live updates as the situation unfolded Thursday (all times are listed in EDT):

(5:42 p.m.) Eight Confirmed Dead In Kentucky

At least eight people are now confirmed dead in eastern Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said in an update just posted to Twitter.

That's an increase of five from the three deaths announced earlier.

Several people have been airlifted to safety by the National Guard, and several agencies are assisting in boat rescues and other efforts, the governor said.

Shelters are opening across the affected areas.

(5:35 p.m.) Flooding, Landslides In Virginia

More than five inches of rain have fallen in parts of Virginia as the potential for deadly flooding moves east. Rescues and evacuations were underway this afternoon.

The rain has caused landslides in some areas, including in Dickenson County, Virginia, where photos shared by the Sheriff's Office showed a large piece of rock blocking a road.

(5:20 p.m.) How To Help The Victims

The state of Kentucky launched a donation portal for anyone who wants to help the victims of today's flooding with long-term recovery. Click here to see how to contribute.

A similar effort after devastating tornadoes hit western Kentucky in December raised over $52 million.

"I wish I could tell you why we keep getting hit here in Kentucky. I wish I could tell you why areas – where people may not have that much – continue to get hit and lose everything. I cannot give you the why, but I know what we do in response to it. And the answer is: Everything we can," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release today.

The Red Cross accepts disaster relief donations for victims nationwide every day. Click here for more information.

(3:39 p.m.) Can't Reach A Loved One in Kentucky? Here's What To Do

People unable to reach friends or family in flooded parts of eastern Kentucky including Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Perry, Pike, Owsley and Wolfe counties should call the Kentucky State Police. Designated posts and phone numbers for each area are posted here.

Callers will be asked to provide their name and phone number as well as the missing person's name, description, county of residence, home address and phone number.

(3:06 p.m.) Multiple Bridges Washed Out

About a dozen bridges are washed out in Perry County, where two of the three deaths confirmed so far happened.

An update on social media from the city of Hazard, which is the county seat, said water was receding and allowing crews to access roads in some areas.

"It's bad today and it's going to be bad tomorrow," the update said. "When the rivers and creeks go down the real work begins."

(2:37 p.m.) More Rain Ahead

Eastern Kentucky and portions of the Virginias could see additional showers through this evening. Then, unfortunately, showers and thunderstorms will become more widespread overnight and through Friday. The area where potentially deadly flooding is possible will shift eastward somewhat into the Virginias and extreme eastern Kentucky for Friday, but localized flooding will be possible throughout the entire region. Some drying is anticipated on Saturday.

(2:18 p.m.) How Unusual Was Today's Flooding In Kentucky?

The flash flooding was so extreme the NWS issued flash flood emergencies for parts of at least six counties in eastern Kentucky.

These highest-level flood alerts are only issued a few times each year for events that pose a severe threat to life, and state that catastrophic damage is either happening or will happen soon.

The NWS said the 12-hour deluge in eastern Kentucky had only a 0.1% or less chance of happening there in any year.

In other words, this event had less than a 1-in-1,000 chance of happening in this area in any year.

Click here to read more of the most staggering facts from this event, compiled by weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman.

(2:06 p.m.) 'By 9:00, The Whole Town Was Flooded'

Whitesburg, Kentucky, resident Christy Casolari lives in Whitesburg, Kentucky, where the North Fork Kentucky River reached record high levels today.

"By the time I walked into work at about 7:30 the water had already hit to the top of the bridge and by 8:15 to 8:30, the water started coming over the top of the bridge. And by 9 o'clock the whole town was flooded," Casolari told The Weather Channel.

"Everyone is really in shock at this moment."

(1:57 p.m.) Kentucky Is A Weather-Weary State

This region is no stranger to disasters in recent times.

Here's a look at some of those events, compiled by weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

Last December, the state was devastated by a tornado outbreak, including an EF4 tornado that struck Mayfield and Dawson Springs in the western part of the state. That tornado tracked nearly 166 miles across Kentucky and a small portion of Tennessee and set a new U.S. record tornado track length for the month of December. The tornado killed more than 50 people. The tornado outbreak caused $4.1 billion in damage in Kentucky and the surrounding states.

Just two months later, in early February, Winter Storm Landon brought thick ice to many of those same areas across western and northern Kentucky. The ice storm knocked power out to the entire town of Dawson Springs, Kentucky. Mayfield picked up 2 inches of snow and additional ice.

More recently, and just 50 or so miles east of this morning's flooding catastrophe, Buchanan County, Virginia, suffered flash flooding in mid-July. Over 100 homes were damaged or destroyed by heavy rainfall and the resulting flooding that often comes with the combination of heavy rainfall and the mountainous terrain of the Appalachians.

(12:55 p.m.) Governor: 'People In Trees' Waiting For Rescue

During a news conference happening now, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear described what National Guard troops are encountering in Breathitt County, about 70 miles southwest of Lexington.

"They see a number of people in Breathitt County alone on the roof, even we have some people in trees waiting for rescue," Beshear said.

(Follow: Kentucky Governor)

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"This isn't just a disaster. It is an ongoing natural disaster and we are in the midst of it."

The Kentucky National Guard has four helicopters in the area and two more are on their way from West Virginia.

Beshear said "extreme, historic levels" of flooding have been reported in Breathitt and neighboring Perry counties

(12:39 p.m.) At Least Three Dead In Eastern Kentucky

In addition to the death reported earlier in Perry County, Beshear said at the press conference that two other people have died.

"Let me say that unfortunately I expect double digit deaths in this flooding," Beshear said. "It's something that we rarely see."

One of the additional deaths is in Perry County and one is in Knott County. Beshear said the first Perry County death was an 81-year-old woman.

(12:33 p.m.) Kentucky Governor Holds Live Update

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is holding a live news briefing now. It's being live streamed here.

(12:26 p.m.) Boat Rescues In Virginia Town

Photos posted to social media by the Wise County Sheriff's Office show first responders using boats to ferry people from flooded areas in Pound, Virginia.

(11:54 a.m.) Multiple Inches Of Rain

Up to 9 inches of rain have fallen in some areas of eastern Kentucky. Flooding is also being reported in parts of Virginia and West Virginia.

(11:28 a.m.) More Deaths Expected

The city of Hazard, which is in Perry County where one death has been confirmed, says that more deaths are expected.

"We appreciate your thoughts and prayers, and will be providing outlets for your donations and help," a tweet from the city reads.

(11:09 a.m.) One River Has Risen 18 Feet Since Midnight

The North Fork Kentucky River at Whitesburg in Letcher County, Kentucky, is at 20.91 feet.

"That's more than 6 feet higher than a record set in 1957, for a river that's usually about 1.6 feet," weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said. "And that's almost an 18-foot rise since midnight."

(10:48 a.m.) At Least One Death Is Confirmed

At least one person is dead in flooding in Perry County, Kentucky.

"Flooding's still ongoing. We have multiple bridges washed out and multiple people trapped in their houses," Scott Sandlin, with Perry County Emergency Management, told weather.com in a phone call.

Further details weren't immediately available.

(10:15 a.m.) First Aerial Footage From Kentucky

Water is up to the roofs of homes and other buildings. In a news conference less than an hour ago, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said it was still rising in some areas.

(10:20 a.m.) Water Is A Swift Killer

"What makes water so dangerous is that it's so heavy and when it moves, the pressure it exerts is massive," weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman says.

Water moving at over 6 mph can exert the same pressure of air moving at EF5 tornado wind speeds, according to research compiled by Greg Forbes, a former severe weather expert at The Weather Channel

Also according to Forbes:

-Water is about 1,000 times denser than air. A cubic meter of water weighs 2,205 pounds.

-How much pressure it exerts depends not only on its density, but also the square of its forward speed.

-Water moving at only 3 mph applies the same pressure as air moving at 90 mph, which is likely to blow you over.

(10:15 a.m.) More Details On Missing, Trapped People in Kentucky

NBC News reports that at least 20 people are missing in Perry County. Gov. Andy Beshear said three teachers are trapped in a school. Local news reports indicate that's in Lost Creek, which is in Breathitt County.

(10:05 a.m.) 'Houses And Cars Floated Away'

A storm chaser who's in the area says rescue services are overwhelmed.

(9:55 a.m.) Tens Of Thousands Without Power

More than 20,000 power outages are being reported in eastern Kentucky, according to PowerOutage.us.

Besides the water, the situation is being hampered by blocked roads, mudslides and downed trees, according to Kentucky Power.

(9:43 a.m.) Governor: People Trapped On Roofs

"The situation right now is tough," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news conference happening now. "There are a lot of people on top of roofs in eastern Kentucky waiting to be rescued. There are a number of people that are unaccounted for and I'm nearly certain this is a situation where we're going to lose some of them."

The National Guard is responding with aircraft and other assets.

(9:38 a.m.) Kentucky Governor: 'We Expect Loss Of Life'

"We're seeing one of the worst, most devastating flooding events in Kentucky's history," Beshear said in the news conference happening now. "What we're going to see coming out of this is massive property damage," "We expect loss of life. Hundreds will lose their homes."

The governor has declared a state of emergency and the National Guard has been activated. Three state parks are being opened as shelters.

(9:27 a.m.) Governor To Speak

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is holding a press conference at 9:30 a.m. ET provide an update on the situation. It will be live streamed here.

(9:25 a.m.) Photos Show Scale Of Devastation

This slideshow will be updated throughout the day.

A house half submerged by floodwaters from the North Fork Kentucky River in Jackson, Ky., on July 28, 2022. (Leandro Lozada/AFP via Getty Images)

(8 a.m.) Hindman, KY: Drone Footage Shows Water Up to Roofs

(7:55 a.m.) Kentucky River Rises 7 Feet in 3 Hours

Flash flooding was so severe that the North Fork of the Kentucky River at Whitesburg, Kentucky, rose to over 16 feet, a new record in records dating back to 1927.

The river rose from 9 feet at roughly 5 am to 16.81 feet by 7:30 am.

(7:45 a.m.) Floodwater Fills Homes in Neon, Kentucky; 'I'm So Scared For Everyone'

Candace Nickels said that a torrent of water, mud and rocks had filled her elderly parents' home in Neon, Kentucky. Because cell service and electricity are out, she can't reach her who is still in the home. Fortunately, she was with her mother away from the flooding in Tennessee, but she said that her son's home in Neon had been hit by a mudslide and that her own home had filled with water.

"I am 52 and my mom is 73. Never seen flooding this bad. It's pure devastation. I am so scared for everyone," Nickels said.

(7:40 a.m.) Daylight Shows Home Surrounded by Floodwater

(7:20 a.m.) Cars Tossed Like Toys

(7:20 a.m.) Flooding Knocks Out Power to Thousands

Flooding has been so severe that it has knocked out power to more than 20,000 customers in Kentucky, according to WYMT. Flooded roadways will prevent crews from restoring it for some time, Appalachian Wireless told the local station.

(6:45 a.m.) 'We Need Help': Rescues Ongoing in Hazard, Kentucky

There were up to 30 rescues ongoing in Hazard, one of the hardest hit areas, as of 4 a.m. this morning, local station WTVQ reports. Someone from the Hazard Fire Department reportedly told the assistant news director at FOX56 in Lexington, Kentucky, that "We need help" because of the flooding.

(6:30 a.m.) School Underwater In Kentucky

Buckhorn School is a K-12 school located along a creek and the nearby Middle Fork Kentucky River.

(6:25 a.m.) Reports of Water Rescues in Perry County, KY

(6:20 a.m.) Latest Forecast Calls For More

This flood threat will continue in the region for multiple days. To track the storms and the latest flood forecast and maps click here.

(3 a.m.) Floodwaters Surround Home in Whick, Kentucky

(2 a.m.): Rescue Crews Can't Reach People

Overnight: Impassable Roads in Breathitt County, KY

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