Hopkins County officials report that they are facing significant challenges ahead after receiving more than a foot of rain since Wednesday night, which led to severe widespread flooding.
Judge Whitfield stated on Sunday afternoon that the past few days have been challenging, with the southern part of the county being the hardest hit.
click to download audioWhitfield noted that the City of Madisonville was spared from the worst of the flooding.
click to download audioWhitfield said he has visited Dawson Springs a couple of times and also checked on the dam at Lake Beshear on Sunday, describing the situation as difficult.
click to download audioDue to rising water levels, Kentucky Utilities had to cut power to the City of Dawson Springs on Saturday night and switch to a mobile substation.
He reported that there was an evacuation and several water rescues.
click to download audioHopkins County Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey explained further that the evacuation at the nursing home was in Dawson Springs and it was a precautionary measure.
click to download audioBailey said they had also seen an increase in water rescues.
click to download audioJudge Whitfield reported that, as of Sunday afternoon, there have been no injuries or fatalities. However, he emphasized that motorists need to respect the barricades and road closure signs.
click to download audioHe stated that they would need to wait for the water to recede before making a plan of action.
click to download audioHowever, Judge Whitfield said that there will be numerous efforts to assist residents and businesses affected by the flooding in getting back on their feet.
click to download audioBailey noted that a FEMA representative would be in Hopkins County on Monday.
click to download audioBailey said that road crews worked overnight to assess road conditions and would continue with their efforts on Monday.
Whitfield shared some final thoughts on this flooding event in the county, and the last four years.
Whitfield mentioned that everyone is coming together and supporting each other during this flooding event. He said that it’s a terrible situation and shared his personal frustration with natural disasters repeatedly impacting Hopkins County, particularly in the southern area around Dawson Springs.
