Kentucky flash floods kill at least 3 people with rescue operations ongoing

U.S. newsKentucky flash floods kill at least 3 people with rescue operations ongoingMultiple thunderstorms unleashed unexpectedly heavy rains over the state Saturday. Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00Flooding after heavy rainfall in Owensboro, Ky. on Saturday.Greg Eans / The Messenger-Inquirer via APShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 27, 2026, 6:27 PM EDT / Updated June 27, 2026, 6:36 PM EDTBy Aria BendixAt least three people have died in flash floods caused by heavy rain and multiple thunderstorms in Kentucky, officials said, with additional fatalities expected to be confirmed soon. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.The severe weather event promoted Gov. Andy Beshear to declare a state of emergency Saturday. Beshear warned Kentucky residents in a video message not to drive after dark, adding that a motorist was swept away and killed by the floods. “We know we’ve already lost at least a handful of Kentuckians. I don’t want to lose any more. Be safe, everyone,” he said.In Madison County, three adults died in the flooding, county Coroner Jimmy Cornelison said. Their identities and additional details have not been publicly released. It was not immediately clear whether the motorist was among the three.Beshear said one fatality was also suspected in Jackson County.Beshear said the storms were more severe than expected, bringing six to seven inches of rain in some parts of the state. Heavy rainfall is expected to let up by 11 p.m. local time, but officials remain concerned about waterlogged roads and downed trees and debris. Many counties remain under a flood watch through Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service.Five counties — Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer — have declared local states of emergency. Emergency responders were assisting with rescue operations Saturday, including water rescues from vehicles and homes.Gov. Andy Beshear warned Kentucky resid...