Over the weekend, Kentucky residents once again found themselves grappling with the aftermath of severe storms, bringing widespread destruction and stirring painful memories of past climate disasters. While the damage was not as devastating as previous events, the heavy rains led to significant flooding, road closures, and power outages, reinforcing the lingering trauma among affected communities.
In Eastern Kentucky, Mimi Pickering anxiously watched from her home in Whitesburg as the North Fork Kentucky River continued to rise. With memories of the catastrophic 2022 floods still fresh, she feared for the safety of the historic Main Street and the media and arts education center where she serves as a board member.
“It felt like a repeat of the 2022 disaster,” said Pickering, a filmmaker. “Every time heavy rains hit, it triggers PTSD for so many people.”
Widespread Damage Across the State
By Monday morning, a clearer picture of the destruction had emerged:
At least nine fatalities, with the toll expected to increase
Over 16,000 residents without electricity
More than 1,000 rescues conducted
300+ road closures on state and federal routes
Two wastewater systems completely out of service, including one submerged under floodwaters
Governor Andy Beshear warned residents to brace for further challenges, as an approaching snowstorm could bring up to six inches of snow, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. “This is one of the most severe weather events we’ve faced in a decade,” Beshear stated in a Sunday press briefing. He urged Kentuckians to stay home, allowing emergency teams to operate efficiently.
A Pattern of Climate Disaster
Kentucky has experienced an unfortunate streak of natural disasters in recent years. In 2022, historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky claimed 45 lives. Just a year earlier, tornadoes in the western part of the state resulted in 80 fatalities.
This time, instead of one specific area suffering the worst, the damage was widespread yet somewhat less catastrophic. Governor Beshear noted that prior experiences with extreme weather had improved the state’s preparedness, enabling a quicker response in coordination with FEMA and the White House.
“Each disaster teaches us something,” Beshear emphasized. “We rebuild stronger, hoping to minimize losses in the next event.”
Hardest-Hit Regions
Among the worst-affected areas was Pike County, located in Kentucky’s easternmost region near West Virginia and Virginia. Power outages were extensive, with nearly 85,000 customers in neighboring states left in the dark as of early Monday.
Larry McManamay, a retired painter from Pikeville, watched helplessly as water slowly filled his basement, destroying tools, furniture, and personal belongings worth thousands of dollars. Concerned about electrical hazards, he evacuated to a motel. “There’s nothing we can do,” he said grimly.
University of Pikeville professor Chandra Massner also experienced disruptions, including prolonged power outages and impassable roads. “Many of my friends and neighbors are trapped,” she said. “With dropping temperatures and no electricity, it’s a terrifying situation.”
EconoHardest-Hit Regionsmic and Emotional Toll
Amanda Lewis, owner of Crafty Momma Treasures in Whitesburg, had recently reopened her shop in a building previously damaged by the 2022 flood. Unfortunately, by Sunday, floodwaters had again engulfed her store, reaching waist height and destroying her basement inventory.
“We were just beginning to recover, and now it’s all chaos again,” Lewis lamented. “This is devastating.”
For many residents, the constant cycle of destruction and rebuilding is emotionally exhausting. “The sound of rain alone brings back so much fear,” Lewis added. “People are still recovering from the last flood, and now they have to start over.”
Communities Seeking Support
In Clay County, Oneida Community Church, which had served as a refuge during the 2022 floods, was itself inundated with five feet of water in its basement. Pastor Todd Hicks expressed hope that his congregation would now receive the same aid they had once offered others.
“We were there for people when they needed help,” Hicks said. “Now, we’re the ones in need.”
As Kentucky braces for another wave of extreme weather, the resilience of its communities is being tested yet again. With the state’s history of climate-related disasters, residents can only hope for better days ahead, but many fear that the next storm is never too far away.