McLean County, KY has suffered flooding that hasn’t been seen in 75 years there. Hundreds have been displaced. Kids were out of school and sports stopped for almost a month.

Historic Flooding Devastates McLean County, Kentucky

McLean County, Kentucky, is grappling with its most severe flooding in 75 years, as the Green River surged to nearly 33 feet, inundating communities and displacing hundreds of residents. The deluge, resulting from a combination of heavy rain and snowmelt in mid-February, has led to widespread road closures, school disruptions, and halted sports activities across the county. ([McLean County responds to flooding after state of emergency declared – The Owensboro Times]

The flooding began over the weekend of February 15th and 16th, when a prolonged period of heavy rain brought widespread flooding to Kentucky. Widespread rainfall totals ranged from 2 to over 6 inches, with the highest amounts found from southwest to central portions of the state. The majority of this rain fell from Friday night, February 14th through Saturday, February 15th. At least a dozen river sites had preliminary crests within the top 5 of recorded crests. In addition, a few severe thunderstorms were found across the state, bringing large hail and damaging wind gusts. ([February 2025 Kentucky Flooding Summary]

In response to the escalating crisis, McLean County Judge-Executive Curtis Dame declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the community’s resilience and preparedness. “McLean County is a resilient community, especially when it comes to floodwaters,” Dame stated. “Over 60% of our county is zoned for flooding, so we use Flood Insurance Rate mapping from FEMA and the federal government to plan ahead.” ([McLean County responds to flooding after state of emergency declared – The Owensboro Times]

Emergency responders, including the county’s Emergency Management Agency, fire departments, and law enforcement, have been coordinating efforts to ensure public safety. While no major road closures have been reported yet, Dame warned that if water levels surpass 32.1 feet, parts of the county could become inaccessible. ([McLean County responds to flooding after state of emergency declared – The Owensboro Times]

The flooding has significantly impacted daily life in McLean County. McLean County Public Schools announced closures on Tuesday, February 25, due to the state of emergency, with a makeup date to be announced. Additionally, numerous highways and roads have been closed off due to high water levels, including sections of U.S. 431 and several Kentucky state routes. ([Flooding leaves major impact on McLean County residents]

Residents have been advised to stay updated through official channels and to avoid flooded areas. For those affected by the flooding, the emergency hotline “211” has been established to provide assistance and connect individuals with local emergency management resources. ([McLean County responds to flooding after state of emergency declared – The Owensboro Times][Flooding leaves major impact on McLean County residents]

As the community begins the recovery process, officials emphasize the importance of preparation and communication. “We’ve learned a lot from past weather-related disasters,” Dame noted. “Being a Storm Ready community means we have more efficient communication methods and better resource allocation.” ([McLean County responds to flooding after state of emergency declared – The Owensboro Times]

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the impact on McLean County is profound. With federal disaster aid approved for Kentucky flooding victims, support is being mobilized to assist those affected. As waters recede, the focus will shift to cleanup and rebuilding efforts, with the community’s resilience and solidarity at the forefront. ([Federal disaster aid approved for Kentucky flooding victims]