Kentucky has declared a state of emergency as dangerous flash flooding unfolds across several parts of the state, with floodwaters turning deadly and some residents ordered to evacuate.
The crisis was compounded by a dam failure south of Louisville. Officials reported what they described as a moderate dam failure near Lebanon Junction.
Immediate evacuations were ordered in Bullitt County following the dam failure. Authorities warned residents downstream from the dam to get to higher ground without delay.
Torrential rain sent creeks and rivers surging over their banks. Floodwaters swallowed roads, trapped drivers and forced the closure of several major highways.
Across central and eastern Kentucky, roads remained washed out as the flooding spread, with rescues reported to be underway in affected areas.
Officials described the flash floods as having turned deadly, underscoring the danger as conditions continued to worsen through the day.
Emergency crews continued to respond to the unfolding situation, and authorities urged people in flood-prone and downstream areas to heed evacuation orders and avoid floodwaters.