Severe storms leave thousands without power in Kentucky. More bad weather expected
Severe storms that hit around 3 a.m. Thursday left more than 55,000 Kentuckians without power, including heavy power outages in Northern Kentucky. More storms are expected to develop later in the day.
Reports of storm damage, downed trees and power lines continue to come in from across the state. The Grant County judge executive, Chuck Dills, declared a state of emergency Thursday morning for the northern county due to the storm damage.
In Florence, the power outage resulted in a town water tower overflowing. After minor repairs and the return of electricity, the tower is expected to resume normal operation, said Melissa Kramer, Florence town clerk.
Flash floods warnings, more storms to come
Much of Kentucky will see a flash flood warning throughout Thursday. Richmond Fire Department conducted high-water rescues Thursday morning at a trailer park as water began rapidly entering homes, according to WBON.
Additional showers and storms are expected as a cold front moves through. The storms are predicted to effect southern and southeastern Kentucky, according to FOX56. Large winds, damaging hail and isolated tornadoes are possible with storms later Thursday, according to WKYT chief meteorologist Chris Bailey.
Homes, businesses without power
In Fayette County, 4,338 homes and businesses were without power Thursday morning. In Jefferson County, 4,207 homes and businesses were without power.
In Bracken County, 2,337 customers — nearly half of the county — did not have power.
Major storms dropped more than 4 inches of rainfall on some parts of Northern Kentucky, and strong winds whipped across the state. According to Bailey, a preliminary 114 mph wind gust was reported in Mason County. If that gust is verified, it would be the second-strongest wind gust ever recorded in Kentucky.
As of 8 a.m., nearly 2 inches of rain had fallen in Fayette County, according to the National Weather Service. Near Louisville and Frankfort, reportedly nearly 3 three inches had fallen, according to radar data.
This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 10:09 AM.
