Madison County officials have declared a local State of Emergency following widespread flooding that has impacted communities across the county and prompted multiple water rescues, ongoing search and rescue operations, and significant emergency response efforts. Emergency calls related to flooding began shortly after 9:00 a.m. to the Madison County Emergency Communications Center (911). As conditions worsened, county officials activated the Madison County Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response activities and resource deployment. A formal State of Emergency was declared at 10:53 a.m.
While some floodwaters have begun to recede in certain locations, many roadways remain flooded, damaged, or unsafe for travel. Emergency crews continue to assess conditions throughout Madison County, and water levels may continue to fluctuate in some areas.
Residents should not assume a roadway is safe simply because water appears to have diminished. The response effort includes assistance from numerous local, regional, and state agencies, including fire departments from Versailles, Anderson County, Winchester, Georgetown, Lexington, Kirksville, Frankfort, Waco, Berea, Richmond, and Madison County, along with Kentucky Task Force resources, Kentucky State Police, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Richmond Police Department Drone Team.
First responders have conducted multiple water rescues throughout the day and continue life-saving operations in affected areas. Search and rescue teams are actively working to locate a missing person and are conducting primary searches in impacted communities.
The Madison County Coroner’s Office is investigating flood-related fatalities. At press time, 3 confirmed deceased and 1 missing in Madison County. One person has also died in neighboring Jackson County. Additional information will be released as appropriate following family notification procedures. “Our emergency responders, public works crews, utility partners, and volunteers have worked tirelessly throughout this event,” county officials said. “While we are beginning to transition from active rescue operations in some areas to damage assessment and recovery efforts, conditions remain dangerous in many parts of Madison County.
We need the public’s cooperation to allow emergency personnel to continue their work safely and efficiently.” Residents are strongly urged to continue avoiding unnecessary travel. Limiting traffic on county roads allows first responders, utility crews, and road departments to access impacted areas, conduct damage assessments, and restore critical services.
Motorists should continue to avoid the following areas due to ongoing flooding, hazardous conditions, debris, roadway damage, and emergency operations: • Tates Creek Road • Red House Road • Union City • Four Mile Road/Hunter Lane • Curtis Pike • Concord Road • Crutcher Pike • Old Town Branch Area • Armitage Drive/Lancaster Road • Eastern Bypass and KY-52 at Catalpa Loop • Spurlin Trailer Area • Bradberry Point • Miller Drive/Red House • Blackwell Court • Hanover Street • Meadowlark Drive
Officials emphasize that conditions can change rapidly, and additional road closures may occur without notice. The public is reminded that driving around barricades places both motorists and first responders at risk. Floodwaters may conceal washed-out pavement, sinkholes, debris, downed utility lines, or strong currents.
The message remains clear: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Emergency staging and assistance locations were established in coordination with the Red Cross at: • Madison Home – (Overnight availability) • Berea Fire and Rescue • Enrich – will be opened as an Overnight Shelter Overnight Shelter Details: • Enrich, 110 South Second Street • Opening at 6:00PM on June 27th for overnight stay • One night only – Resource Navigators and Red Cross representatives will help displaced families explore long-term arrangements. Madison County officials will continue to monitor conditions throughout the evening and overnight hours. Residents are encouraged to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary, monitor weather conditions, and follow official Madison County, Madison County Emergency Management, and local public safety communication channels for verified updates. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
