On July 27th, about 4.11 inches of rain fell in Kentucky. Flash flood warnings were issued for at least 6 counties in the state. The rain waters destroyed houses and cars. According to Greg Forbes, a severe weather expert, water moving at only 6 mph is similar to the pressure inflicted by an EF5 tornado. This amount of pressure can easily sweep away houses and vehicles of all sizes. 

On July 28th, the small community of Jackson, Kentucky experienced heavy rainfall. This rain caused three flash flood warnings all across eastern Kentucky and crushed previous state flood records by over 6 feet. The North Fork Kentucky River at Jackson topped its previous records with water almost 14.5 feet above the flood stage. 

Other results of the flood were mudslides, collapsed bridges, and overflowing streams and rivers. As of August 1st, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that there were 37 people missing in the aftermath. 

Governor Andy Beshear tweeted, “We can confirm the death toll has now risen to 37, with so many more still missing. Let us pray for these families and come together to wrap our arms around our fellow Kentuckians.” 

The floods in Kentucky have been a record-breaking, but heartbreaking, natural disaster. There is a possibility that more rain is on the way. Their only hope is that the rain does not cause more flooding or more damage.