Weather News

Photos: See Central Kentucky flooding amid ongoing downpour

By Monica Kast and Ryan C. Hermens
High water floods Middleburg Road in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
High water floods Middleburg Road in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com

In the aftermath of severe weather that swept across Kentucky last week, much of the state Saturday continues to see flooding.

Severe storms on Wednesday night and Thursday morning brought at least two tornadoes, with more unconfirmed reports across the state. Heavy rain will continue over the next several days, and the chance of flooding will continue throughout the commonwealth.

At least two people, a 9-year-old boy in Frankfort and a 74-year-old man in Nelson County, died in floodwaters. President Donald Trump signed an order Friday declaring a state of emergency for Kentucky, which allows the state to qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

Parts of Western Kentucky received more than 8 inches of rain in the past several days, according to rainfall data from the Kentucky Mesonet network.

See photos of the storm’s impact in Mercer, Jessamine, Franklin, Pendleton, Lincoln and Casey counties.

The Kentucky River floods Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River floods Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River floods the Paul Sawyier Public Library parking lot in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River floods the Paul Sawyier Public Library parking lot in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River floods homes and buildings along Palisades Road in Mercer County, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River floods homes and buildings along Palisades Road in Mercer County, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River floods Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River floods Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River floods homes and buildings along Palisades Road in Mercer County, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River floods homes and buildings along Palisades Road in Mercer County, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River floods homes and buildings along Palisades Road in Mercer County, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River floods homes and buildings along Palisades Road in Mercer County, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds a home on Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds a home on Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River floods Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River floods Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds a home on Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds a home on Watson Court in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River floods the Paul Sawyier Public Library parking lot in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River floods the Paul Sawyier Public Library parking lot in downtown Frankfort, Ky., on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Kentucky River surrounds homes on Dix Drive near High Bridge in Jessamine County on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
The Dix River floods near its confluence with the Kentucky River at the Mercer and Garrad county line on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Dix River floods near its confluence with the Kentucky River at the Mercer and Garrad county line on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Floodwaters on Kentucky Route 177 South, near Northern Elementary, on April 5, 2024. Officials in Pendleton County issued an emergency evacuation order for Butler and Falmouth as the Licking River continued to rise.
Floodwaters on Kentucky Route 177 South, near Northern Elementary, on April 5, 2024. Officials in Pendleton County issued an emergency evacuation order for Butler and Falmouth as the Licking River continued to rise. Greg Valentine
Waters rise near a bridge heading into Butler, Kentucky, on April 5, 2024. Officials in Pendleton County issued an emergency evacuation order for Butler and Falmouth as the Licking River continued to rise.
Waters rise near a bridge heading into Butler, Kentucky, on April 5, 2024. Officials in Pendleton County issued an emergency evacuation order for Butler and Falmouth as the Licking River continued to rise. Greg Valentine
Floodwaters on Flour Creek Road in Butler, Kentucky, on April 5, 2024. Officials in Pendleton County issued an emergency evacuation order for Butler and Falmouth as the Licking River continued to rise.
Floodwaters on Flour Creek Road in Butler, Kentucky, on April 5, 2024. Officials in Pendleton County issued an emergency evacuation order for Butler and Falmouth as the Licking River continued to rise. Greg Valentine
Floodwaters closed a road in Pendleton County on Saturday, April 4, 2025. The county issued an emergency evacuation order Saturday morning for residents of Butler and Falmouth as the Licking River continued to rise.
Floodwaters closed a road in Pendleton County on Saturday, April 4, 2025. The county issued an emergency evacuation order Saturday morning for residents of Butler and Falmouth as the Licking River continued to rise. Kelly Miller
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water floods fields near Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods fields near Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
A person kayaks along flooded Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
A person kayaks along flooded Kentucky Route 39 near Crab Orchard in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Deepwell Woods Road floods in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Deepwell Woods Road floods in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Hanging Fork Creek floods Elliott Road in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Hanging Fork Creek floods Elliott Road in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water rushes over a driveway in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water rushes over a driveway in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Walnut Flat Creek floods Preachersville Road in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Walnut Flat Creek floods Preachersville Road in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Walnut Flat Creek floods a field near Preachersville Road in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Walnut Flat Creek floods a field near Preachersville Road in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Read Next
Deepwell Woods Road floods in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Deepwell Woods Road floods in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Deepwell Woods Road floods in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Deepwell Woods Road floods in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Walnut Flat Creek floods a field near Preachersville Road in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Walnut Flat Creek floods a field near Preachersville Road in Lincoln County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Excessive rainfall flooded parts of Casey County
Excessive rainfall flooded parts of Casey County Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
High water floods Middleburg Road in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
High water floods Middleburg Road in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Read Next
High water floods Middleburg Road in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
High water floods Middleburg Road in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water floods a field along U.S. Route 127 in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods a field along U.S. Route 127 in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water floods a field along U.S. Route 127 in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods a field along U.S. Route 127 in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Read Next
Water floods a field near Randolph Street in Liberty, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods a field near Randolph Street in Liberty, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
Water floods a field along U.S. Route 127 in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Water floods a field along U.S. Route 127 in Casey County, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com
A sign warns drivers of high water along Randolph Street in Liberty, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025.
A sign warns drivers of high water along Randolph Street in Liberty, Ky., on Friday, April 4, 2025. Ryan C. Hermens rhermens@herald-leader.com

This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 2:29 PM.

Profile Image of Monica Kast
Monica Kast
Lexington Herald-Leader
859-334-0595
Monica Kast covers higher education for the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com. Previously, she covered higher education in Tennessee for the Knoxville News Sentinel. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. Support my work with a digital subscription
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