Hopkins County officials report they are facing significant challenges ahead after receiving more than a foot of rain since Wednesday night, which led to severe widespread flooding.
Judge Whitfield stated on Sunday afternoon that the past few days have been challenging, with the southern part of the county being the hardest hit.
Whitfield noted that the City of Madisonville was spared from the worst of the flooding.
Whitfield said he has visited Dawson Springs a couple of times and also checked on the dam at Lake Beshear on Sunday, describing the situation as difficult.
click to download audioDue to rising water levels, Kentucky Utilities had to cut power to the City of Dawson Springs on Saturday night and switch to a mobile substation.
In addition, he said there was an evacuation and several water rescues in the county.
click to download audioHopkins County Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey explained further that the evacuation at the nursing home was in Dawson Springs and it was a precautionary measure.
click to download audioHe also said they had seen an increase in water rescues.
Judge Whitfield reported that, as of Sunday afternoon, there have been no injuries or fatalities. However, he emphasized that motorists need to respect the barricades and road closure signs.
He stated that they would need to wait for the water to recede before making a plan of action.
click to download audioHowever, Judge Whitfield said that there will be numerous efforts to assist residents and businesses affected by the flooding in getting back on their feet.
click to download audioBailey noted that a FEMA representative would be in Hopkins County on Monday.
Bailey said that road crews worked overnight to assess road conditions and would continue with their efforts on Monday.
Whitfield shared some personal thoughts on this flooding event and the last few years in the county.
