What is the location of the flooding?
As of June 28, 2026, severe flash flooding is affecting central and eastern Kentucky after multiple thunderstorms brought exceptionally heavy rainfall across the state. Some communities received more than 10 inches (254 mm) of rain in less than 48 hours, overwhelming creeks, rivers and drainage systems.
Floodwaters inundated homes, washed away roads and bridges, and prompted Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to declare a statewide emergency (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flooding has heavily impacted central Kentucky, particularly communities along swollen rivers and creeks. Affected areas include:
- Bullitt County
- Cumberland County
- Jackson County
- Jessamine County
- Madison County
- Meade County
- Mercer County
-
Owensboro
- Somerset
- Spencer County
Additional impacts have also been reported in neighboring parts of northeast Tennessee and southern Indiana as the storm system moves eastward (2).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment remains difficult as additional rainfall is forecast over already saturated ground. Emergency responders have conducted dozens of water rescues from homes and vehicles, while search and rescue teams remain deployed in the hardest-hit communities.
Multiple roads remain impassable and several bridges have been destroyed or severely damaged. Officials continue monitoring rivers, flood-prone communities and vulnerable infrastructure as conditions evolve (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Kentucky remains under a state of emergency, with flood warnings and local emergency declarations active across several counties. Precautionary evacuations have been ordered near Lebanon Junction in Bullitt County due to concerns over a dam embankment landslide, while residents elsewhere are being urged to avoid flooded areas and follow official guidance (4).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
