President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration for Kentucky on Friday, April 4, as relentless rainfall pounded the state over several days, leading to widespread flooding, road closures, and at least one confirmed death.

The emergency order covers all 120 Kentucky counties and allows the state to access federal resources and funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declaration came as forecasters predicted continued rain through the weekend, especially in Central and Western Kentucky.

Boyle County, part of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7, avoided the worst of the flooding but remained under advisories throughout the weekend as rain-soaked ground and rising creeks posed a continued threat. District 7 also includes Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Madison, Mercer, Montgomery, Scott and Woodford counties.

While Boyle County experienced scattered flooding on rural roads, nearby counties were harder hit. Clark and Montgomery counties reported multiple road closures. Fayette County was under a flood warning until Friday night, with streets such as Military Pike and Bowman Mill Road closed due to high water.

“Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment, and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency,” the agency said in a statement issued Friday.

Central Kentucky recorded around 4 inches of rainfall by Friday, with up to 4 more inches expected over the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) designated Saturday as the highest flood risk day, and while rainfall began to taper off by Sunday, much of the region remained waterlogged.

Tragedy struck in Franklin County, where a young boy died after being swept away by floodwaters while walking to a school bus stop. He was found a few hours later, according to local officials.

In Johnson County, emergency crews rescued six residents from homes surrounded by water in the Van Lear community. Casey, Jefferson, Anderson, and Green counties also reported water rescues throughout the weekend.

In Western Kentucky, where storms and a tornado had already caused damage earlier in the week, rainfall totals reached up to 9 inches in areas like Hopkinsville and Mayfield. The South Fork Little River in Hopkinsville rose dramatically, reaching about 21 feet—triple its depth from the previous day.

In Christian County, evacuations were ordered as floodwaters rose in neighborhoods near Bell Street, and a roof collapse on East 14th Street was blamed on the excessive rainfall. The Christian County Justice Center parking lot was also submerged.

As of Tuesday, much of Kentucky is beginning to dry out, but the damage assessment is still underway. Emergency officials continue to monitor flood-prone areas and warn that some rivers and streams remain swollen.

Boyle County Emergency Management officials urged residents over the weekend to avoid flooded roadways, monitor local alerts, and stay weather-aware as the situation evolved.

With FEMA assistance now authorized, the state is expected to begin working on recovery efforts this week, including damage assessments and infrastructure repair.

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