In the midst of relentless rain and rising rivers, Kentucky residents are once again bracing themselves for the aftermath of severe weather, a scenario that has become all too familiar in recent years. The latest flooding, though not as catastrophic as previous events, has brought widespread devastation and painful reminders of past traumas.
In Hazard, a small town in eastern Kentucky, sisters Sheridan Sparkman and Sandy Hurt, owners of the Appalachian Quilt shop, took precautions to protect their business. They cleared drains and moved materials to higher shelves, but it was not enough. The floodwaters rose rapidly, threatening their store and leaving them watching anxiously from a nearby overpass as the water lapped at the exterior of their shop.
This scene played out across the region, with residents experiencing a mix of hope and anxiety as they faced yet another severe weather event. Kentucky has endured a streak of natural disasters, including tornadoes, mudslides, and floods, that have left deep scars. Over the past four years, flooding in Eastern Kentucky has claimed more than 50 lives, while tornadoes in 2021 killed 80 people on the western side of the state.
The 2022 floods in eastern Kentucky were particularly devastating, destroying hundreds of homes and leaving many families without shelter. Ms. Sparkman's own sister lost her house in that disaster, a memory that still resonates deeply.
As of Monday, the latest storm had resulted in at least 11 deaths across Kentucky, with the toll expected to rise. Hundreds of people were displaced, thousands were without power, and more than 1,000 rescues were conducted with the help of the National Guard from three states. Over 300 roads were closed, and seven wastewater systems were out of service, including one that was underwater. More than 17,000 homes lacked access to potable water.
Governor Andy Beshear described the situation as one of the most serious weather events in over a decade, warning of an impending snowstorm that could dump up to six inches of snow. He urged residents to stay indoors to allow emergency services to reach those in need.
The psychological impact of these repeated disasters is profound. Many residents are still shellshocked from the 2022 floods, and the latest event has triggered high levels of anxiety. "Back in 2022, it was really, really bad," Ms. Sparkman reflected. "We just can’t get a break here."
In Whitesburg, Mimi Pickering, a filmmaker and board member of a media and arts education center, felt the same anxiety as she watched the rainfall, fearing that the floods might again damage local landmarks.
This flood differed from previous ones in that it occurred during winter, not summer, and its impact was more evenly distributed across the state. Governor Beshear noted that Kentucky was better prepared this time due to lessons learned from past disasters.
Larry McManamay, a retired painter in Pikeville, evacuated to a motel after watching the water rise in his basement, which housed valuable tools and personal items. "It’s no good and there’s nothing we can do," he said, reflecting the sense of helplessness many feel.
Amanda Lucas, owner of Crafty Momma Treasures in Whitesburg, had reopened her shop in February 2023 after it was flooded the previous year. However, the latest flood destroyed her inventory once again. "Everything was just starting to get normal, and now everything is chaotic again," she lamented.
Despite the challenges, the community's resilience is evident. Ms. Sparkman noted that over a dozen strangers showed up to help clean her shop, a gesture that reinforced her commitment to staying in the area despite the temptation to leave.
As Kentucky faces another round of severe weather, residents are reminded that no place is immune to natural disasters. "These days, no place is safe," Ms. Sparkman said, echoing the sentiment that while the storms may be unpredictable, the community's spirit remains unbroken.
Source:
Juliet Macur, David W. Chen, and Tricia Fulks Kelley, The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/us/kentucky-storm-damage.html