Days of relentless downpours have led to near-record levels of flooding across Kentucky, with rivers submerging neighborhoods and threatening a renowned bourbon distillery in Frankfort. The storms, which have already claimed the lives of at least 23 people, brought heavy rain and destructive tornadoes to the region, with 157 tornadoes recorded within seven days. Although the storms have passed, flood dangers remain high in several states, including Tennessee, Arkansas, and Indiana.
Cities have ordered evacuations, rescue crews are checking on residents in inflatable boats, and utilities are shutting off power and gas in the affected regions. The historic Buffalo Trace Distillery was forced to close due to floodwaters near the swollen Kentucky River. Governor Andy Beshear reported that more than 500 state roads were closed, leaving over 1,000 people without access to water and nearly 3,000 under boil water advisories.
The storms have left a devastating impact, claiming lives and causing massive property damage. Forecasters attribute the violent weather to warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong winds, and abundant moisture. The National Weather Service warns that flooding on most rivers will persist this week. With rivers receding, some smaller waterways are expected to return to normal levels in the coming days.
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