Flood waters that rushed through eastern Kentucky mountains left one dead, seven unaccounted for and an estimated 150 homes damaged or destroyed.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Stephen Mounts says emergency personnel searching for the missing in the hardest-hit neighborhoods in Johnson County are struggling with debris, downed power lines and difficult communication as they search for those who might be trapped in their homes.
Regina McClure, the county's emergency management shelter coordinator, says the county was saturated with about 4 inches of rain in about an hour Monday evening. More rain is expected Tuesday.
Emergency personnel asked that people stay away from the area, and those missing loved ones should contact law enforcement.
Mounts says the number unaccounted for is fluid and likely to change quickly.
Update (1:37 PM): Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has declared a state of emergency after severe storms swept through the state, leaving one person dead, seven unaccounted for and widespread damage in multiple counties.
In a statement Tuesday, Beshear said the declaration would give local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts.
The hardest-hit areas include Johnson and Rowan counties in eastern Kentucky, which are struggling with debris, downed power lines and difficult communication as they search for the missing.