Torrential rain and rising waters have been scattered around Kentucky, with Bowling Green under severe weather, flooding, and tornado warnings.
According to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, April 2. The executive order states that a severe weather system predicted heavy rain, wind, hail and tornadoes that could endanger health and private or public property.
Additionally, according to the City of Bowling Green, on Sunday, April 6, Mayor Todd Alcott declared a local state of emergency for Warren County. Alcott’s declaration states that many citizens of Warren County have been affected by high water, including roadways and personal driveways.
WKU Housing and Residence Life sent a student-wide email on April 2 to prepare students for severe weather. The email included student tips, such as charging cell phones and locking windows. Additionally, it reminded students of residence hall and apartment weather-safe areas.
After receiving heavy rain from Wednesday, April 2, to Sunday, April 6, Cave Mill Road was deemed impassable on Sunday, April 6, according to the City of Bowling Green.
Marshall Beach from Bowling Green said he was among the citizens impacted by the flood. Beach said he lives on Cave Mill Road, which experienced flood waters up to 10 feet high.
Inside his house, Beach said there were two feet of water, and in his garage, five feet of water. He said that the flooding of his property happened over a period of approximately 30 hours of non-stop rain.
Beach said that he and his wife, Kimberly Beach, have experienced flooding before, but not to this magnitude. He said that they do not have flood insurance, so this will be an extensive loss for them.
“I guess you can say we were not prepared for the amount of water we received,” Beach said. “We will just have to take it one day at a time to the damage the flood has caused.”
As of Tuesday, April 8, Beach said the extent of his damages is hard to determine as they have to wait until the water goes down to access the damage. However, he said he thinks it will cost thousands of dollars because the house will have to be completely remodeled.
“We lost a bunch of personal and business items such as riding mowers and generators used in my business,” Beach said.
Beach said that he is thankful to have friends and family who care for and love him and his wife and help them through this difficult time.
“I’m thankful for a community that has reached out to us to offer help and send prayers our way,” Beach said. “I am sending prayers and love to everyone else affected by this flood.
While no damage was done to WKU’s campus, Director of Environmental Health and Safety Emergencies David Oliver said via email that it is important that students stay informed on the weather conditions.
“Many of the fatalities that occur from severe weather each year come when folks are caught off guard,” Oliver said. “The number one cause of death in storms is drowning, usually driving into high water.”
Additionally, Oliver said that if a tornado warning is issued, students should stay in safe places until it expires. He said it is also good to be aware that when there are high wind warnings, it can cause trees and limbs to fall, which can result in death or serious injuries.
Oliver said that all students should be sure that they are signed up to receive WKU alerts via text message. Students can do so by accessing their personal information on TopNet. He also said that it is important to monitor weather forecasts.
For those impacted by flooding, Justin Mandredonia owns Carolina Mitigation and Restoration. He said via phone call that he and his company are open to helping anyone clean up. The company specializes in bio washing, muck outs, structural drying, insurance claims assistance and content management.
Although the company is based in North Carolina, Mandredonia said he and members of his team travel to different states to help those in need. Specifically, he said the team aided in the clean-up of flooding in Pikeville, Kentucky, during February.
Mandredonia said he plans to be in Bowling Green on Wednesday, April 9 to assist community members.
“I’ll be there boots on the ground talking with homeowners and business owners,” Mandredonia said.
Mandredonia said that advice is free for anyone, especially regarding insurance questions. He said he understands that some homeowners affected by flooding don’t have insurance, and his company knows how to work with it.
He said the company is Christian-based, and he travels where God tells him to go, including Bowling Green.
“God leads me to these places,” Mandredonia said. “I tell people I don’t know why God has me here, but I’m sure it’s for a good reason.”
For anyone needing advice or assistance, Mandredonia said that his office is a 24/7 emergency response team open for customers. Mandredonia said the company can be contacted via phone at 910-400-8198.