More rain is expected to strike an already drenched and devastated Kentucky as rescuers look for missing people and thousands struggle to recover without power.
More rainfall threatens eastern Kentucky on Sunday, including some areas hardest hit by the deadly flooding which has claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left rescuers scouring the region for those who remain missing.
"The threat of flash flooding will be gradually increasing as showers and thunderstorms with very heavy rainfall rates develop and expand in coverage today," the center said, deeming the atmospheric conditions in the area as "tropical in nature," meaning it is warm, moist and can support an incredible amount of water.Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are forecast over the next 24 to 48 hours, but as much as 4 or 5 inches is possible in localized areas.
"Our death toll right now is at 26," he added. "But I know of several additional bodies and we know it's going to grow with the level of water. We're going to be finding bodies for weeks, many of them swept hundreds of yards, maybe a quarter-mile plus from where they were last."Officials believe thousands have been affected, and efforts to rebuild some areas may take years, the governor told CNN Saturday.
The federal government sent tractor trailers of bottled water to the region, and more financial assistance is on the way. Officials have moved swiftly to approve financial assistance, given the scores of people in need of relief after losing everything. Additionally, the state is prioritizing placing generators at the shelters for flood survivors as temperatures are expected to soar Tuesday following the rain.
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