MERCER COUNTY, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — Mercer County Judge/Executive Sarah Steele has issued a state of emergency for the county, at the request of the Emergency Management Department, due to flash flooding.
In a document filed with Mercer County Fiscal court, Steele states that the Commonwealth has "suffered" from severe rainfall since Friday, explaining that a state of emergency is necessary as "Mercer County [has] been struck by flooding imperiling life and damaging property."
In a social media post by Mercer County Fiscal Court, residents are urged to minimize roadway travel by all means necessary for the safety of the community.
"Due to extreme rainfall, Mercer County has been declared a state of emergency. Many roads are impassable, bridges out, and many other traffic concerns. At this time emergency services are conducting several water rescues. We are asking citizens to stay in if possible to minimize traffic and to prohibit further emergency situations," the social media post stated.
In addition, Mercer County Sheriff Ernie Kelty has also released a statement, which can be read below:
"Please practice extreme caution if you have to be out and about today. Areas that typically flood when we have heavy rain like what we are receiving today are flooded, and even places that don't typically flood are flooding. This includes parts of US 127 in the Salvisa area.
Road crews are out working hard and doing the best they can. Myself and my deputies are also out patrolling. Please be patient and use alternate routes if at all possible. DO NOT, under any circumstances, drive through high waters regardless of how well you know the road. We appreciate everyone's assistance and will update when we are able."
-Mercer County Sheriff Ernie Kelty
