FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) — Flooding has worsened in Frankfort as the Kentucky River crested at a near record level overnight, shutting down multiple roads and businesses and forcing people out of their homes.
The river crested overnight at 48.39 feet — just shy of the record of 48.5 feet set in 1978, according to a Facebook post from Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. It’s the second highest level in history, according to the post.
It’s also dangerously close to the 51 feet of water the city’s floodwall system is designed to withstand.
Wilkerson said in the post that the river is expected to remain “at major flood stage” for the next two days. He called on residents to conserve water, noting that the water treatment facility is under water and the city is using reserve tanks.
Officials shut down roads and turned off utilities in parts of the city on Sunday to prepare for the flooding.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said on social media that state offices are closed Monday and urged residents in the flooded areas to move to higher ground.
On Sunday, the city of Frankfort issued a curfew from 8 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday in all of South Frankfort, the downtown areas of North Frankfort, the Taylor Avenue area and the Bellpoint area.
The city was under a curfew issued by Mayor Wilkerson Sunday at 8 p.m. that ended at 6 a.m. Monday for all of South Frankfort, the downtown areas of North Frankfort, the Taylor Avenue area and the Bellpoint area.
If you need assistance related to the flood, call the EOC hotline at 502-352-2252.
Gov. Andy Beshear has scheduled a 10 a.m. media briefing where he will provide updates on flooding conditions around the state.
For an updated look at the flooding conditions around Kentucky, check our Flooding Blog.
