FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 30, 2026) – Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on response efforts to the weekend’s deadly flooding and warned of dangerously high temperatures forecast across the state, with heat indexes expected to rise well above 100 in some places. The Governor shared a map of cooling center locations and resources for those affected by the floods.
“Once again, Kentuckians are coming together to recover from a deadly flooding event, and I want to remind every community that we will get through this, and we will get through this together,” said Gov. Beshear. “As we begin the damage assessments and work to help our people recover and rebuild, we want to make sure everyone remains alert with a considerable amount of debris left over from the flooding and temperatures on the rise. Please be careful, check on your neighbors, and let’s do what we can to keep everyone safe.”
Cooling Centers
Kentucky is facing dangerous temperatures, with heat indexes in some areas reaching well above 100 degrees. Team Kentucky is setting up cooling centers across the state. A map of those centers can be found here.
Region-specific information is available from the National Weather Service forecast offices in Paducah, Louisville and Jackson.
Gov. Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to hydrate, wear light clothing, stay in air conditioning, bring pets inside, and avoid outdoor activities during the warmest times of the day.
Unmet Needs Survey and Damage Reporting
Team Kentucky has launched an unmet needs survey and damage reporting tool. A link can be found here.
Gov. Beshear encouraged those who have been impacted by the flooding to fill this out so they can access the resources that can help.
Teams from Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) are out in affected communities surveying damage as the Governor and his administration plan to make an official request for Public and Individual Assistance from the federal government.
“People have lost their homes and so much more, and this type of support will be essential as we work to recover and rebuild together,” said the Governor.
Dangerous Conditions
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians to be careful while cleaning up debris, especially in this dangerous heat.
Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, the Governor also encouraged boaters to use extreme caution. Dale Hallow Lake, for example, is covered in debris, posing serious risks for those on the water.
There are many road closures across the state. For up-to-date roadway conditions, visit GoKy.Ky.gov.
Resources for Assistance
Due to an increase in calls, Gov. Beshear is encouraging Kentuckians to keep 911 lines open for emergency situations only. If you need help or support for a non-life-threatening situation, please use the State Warning Point line at 1-800-255-2587.
For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.
State of Emergency, Executive Orders
On Saturday, the Governor declared a state of emergency for the commonwealth. The number of cities and counties that have declared a local state of emergency is now at 26: Bullitt, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Grayson, Hart, Jackson, Jessamine, Madison, Meade, Mercer, Metcalf, Ohio, Spencer and Wayne counties, along with the cities of Albany, Brandenburg, Burkesville, Hartford, Horse Cave, McKee, Muldraugh, Munfordville, Nicholasville, Richmond and Wilmore.
The Governor also signed an emergency order over the weekend allowing pharmacies in impacted areas to issue emergency refills.
Gov. Beshear has implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.
If you would like to support Kentuckians affected by this severe weather event, please visit the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund. All donations go directly to survivors of emergency events in the commonwealth.
