During the overnight and early morning hours of Monday, June 20th, numerous strong to severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc on portions of eastern KY. Between 2 and 5 am EDT, numerous trees were blown across Laurel, Bell, Knox, and Whitley counties. The real problems began around 5 am EDT, when historical flash flooding began to occur. Parts of Bell and Knox were completely devastated as area creeks and streams quickly over topped their banks, flooding the surrounding countryside. The hardest hit areas were Kay Jay, Trosper, and Warren Camp in Knox county and Middlesboro in Bell county. Dozens of homes were heavily damaged or destroyed by the raging flood waters. One death was attributed to the flooding. Anywhere from 3-8 inches of rain fell between 2 and 7 am EDT across Knox and Bell counties. Flooding continued to occur across several other counties of eastern KY, with Breathitt county seeing the most widespread flooding between 9 and 11 am EDT. The floods caused estimated damages in the millions of dollars.

Flash Flood in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 03:20:00 to 20-JUN-11 04:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: GOINS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Motorists were stranded in their cars along 92E about 1 mile from the Bell county line. The dispatcher reported that water rescues were in progress.

Flash Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 04:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 07:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLESBORO BELL ARP
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

About 4 inches of water were flowing across KY 25E near the mall. Numerous roads throughout Middlesboro were under water.

Flash Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 03:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WARREN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Dispatch reported that several feet of water was flowing over KY 255 and that the road had been closed as a result of the flooding. The flood water had also moved homes off of their foundations around Barbourville.

Flash Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 03:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ANCHOR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A Kayjay man was killed when flood waters swept the trailer he and his mother lived in away and smashed it against a bridge downstream. The man's mother survived and was rescued some time later.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 09:45:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: KRAGON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Robinson Fork was closed due to flash flooding.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 09:45:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: YEADON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Belcher Fork Road was impassable due to flash flooding.

Flash Flood in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 10:10:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MEANS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Highway 460 was closed due to flash flooding in Means.

Flash Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 10:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAYSLEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Harveyton Road was closed.

Heavy Rain in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 08:50:00 to 20-JUN-11 09:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: JACKSON
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

An inch of rain fell in 30 minutes in Jackson. A total of 2.25 inches of rain had fallen in Jackson since the previous day.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 09:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: JACKSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Bridge Hollow Road was impassable due to flash flooding.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 09:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: JACKSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A car drove into flood waters near the BP station in downtown Jackson.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 09:45:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WATTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Flash flooding was occurring along Watts Rd in Watts.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 09:45:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WAR CREEK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Hwy 541 and most of the side roads off of Hwy 541 were affected by flash flooding.

Flash Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 03:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: KAYJAY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Residents of a home on Jones Town Road south of Kayjay awoke around 5 am EDT on June 20th to find over 2 feet of flood water in their home. The front door could not be opened due to the pressure of the water against it, so the two people, along with their dog, were forced to escape through a window.

Flash Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 03:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HUBBS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Two other residents of Kayjay were trapped in their home for a period of time as it floated along KY 225 during the height of the June 20th flash flood. The house sustained heavy damage along with many of the owners belongings.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 09:48:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ELKATAWA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Millers Branch had left its banks and was at the bottom of the bridge going over Hwy 52 in Elkatawa.

Flash Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 10:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUTTERFLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Knee deep water was seen flowing over Pigeon Roost Road. Residents were stranded.

Heavy Rain in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 01:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRYANTS STORE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

A four hour rainfall total of 4.33 inches was reported in Bryants Store.

Heavy Rain in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 01:35:00 to 20-JUN-11 05:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLESBORO
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

A rainfall total of 4.42 inches was measured by the Middlesboro Bell county Airport AWOS between 235 and 635 am, with 1.88 inches of that rain falling between 535 and 635 am.

Heavy Rain in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 02:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 06:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLESBORO
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

It was reported that 5.71 inches of rain had fallen near Middlesboro between 3 and 725 am, with 1.26 inches of that total accumulating between 625 and 725 am.

Heavy Rain in ESTILL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 06:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 06:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: RED LICK
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Driveways of several residences were washed out into the roadway at Red Lick.

Heavy Rain in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 19-JUN-11 20:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 07:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEE LICK
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported that 3.51 inches of rain had fallen since 9 pm on Sunday evening. The bulk of the rain had fallen since midnight.

Flash Flood in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 08:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAMPTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Culverts were overflowing due to heavy rainfall in and around Campton. Water was over roads at Wolfe Lake, 191 between Stillwater and Campton, Plummers Creek Road, and Johnson Road.

Flash Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 03:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ANCHOR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3000.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Twenty seven homes were destroyed during the June 20th flash flood in Kayjay.

Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 08:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 20:57:00 (EST-5)
Location: ANCHOR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Brush Creek remained out of it's banks flooding KY 225 and other roadways in the area through most of the day.

Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 07:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 20:57:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLESBORO BELL ARP
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several roads were still closed in and near Middlesboro due to flooding. Multiple water rescues were underway as well.

Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 07:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 20:57:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLESBORO BELL ARP
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1000.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Parts of Old Pineville Pike, Cumberland Ave, and 25th St were severely flooded in Middlesboro. By midmorning, the Cumberland Gap Tunnel was closed and parts of Hwy 25E were impassable. The Binghamton area of Middlesboro was also under water, with many residents having to use boats to navigate the flooded streets.

Flash Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 07:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: BULAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

A couple of feet water was seen flowing across Hwy 476 at the Hardburly exit. Bulan-Hiner Road was also closed due to flooding.

Thunderstorm Wind in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 08:05:00 to 20-JUN-11 08:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: ERMINE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Several trees were blown down on Hwy 119 near Little Cowan Creek.

Heavy Rain in MONTGOMERY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 06:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 09:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: MT STERLING
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A volunteer weather observer measured 3.14 inches of rainfall in Mount Sterling between 7 and 1015 am.

Flash Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 10:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: LAMONT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Sixteen Mile Creek Road was closed 9 miles northwest of Hazard.

Heavy Rain in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 06:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAZARD
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A volunteer weather observer reported that 3.05 inches of rain had fallen in Hazard since 7 am.

Flash Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 10:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ENGLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The road at Typo was closed due to flash flooding.

Flash Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 10:30:00 to 20-JUN-11 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BONNYMAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Lower Second Creek Rd was closed northwest of Hazard.

Flood in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 12:29:00 to 20-JUN-11 12:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROCKHOLDS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Streams were observed over roads and bridges in Rockholds. The event occurred between 129 and 144 pm.

Flash Flood in LEE, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 12:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: LOWER BUFFALO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A bridge was washed out on Paw Paw Creek Road south of Beattyville. In fact, several roads in Lee county were damaged due to flash flooding on June 20th. The governor of Kentucky declared a state of emergency in Lee county.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 01:08:00 to 20-JUN-11 01:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST BERNSTADT
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 01:13:00 to 20-JUN-11 01:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: LONDON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Trees were blown down on Old Way Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 02:07:00 to 20-JUN-11 02:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: RAIN
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Trees were blown down on Hwy 1809.

Heavy Rain in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 01:55:00 to 20-JUN-11 06:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLESBORO BELL ARP
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The airport in Middlesboro received 7.11 inches of rainfall in about 6 hours during the overnight and early morning hours of June 20th.

Thunderstorm Wind in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 01:58:00 to 20-JUN-11 02:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: WASIOTO
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A tree was blown down on Hardbell Station Rd near the Wasioto golf course.

Flash Flood in LEE, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 12:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEATTYVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Significant damage occurred to roads in the Brushy Creek, Wide Creek, Paw Paw, and Primrose Lane areas in the June 20th flash floods. Kentucky Hwy 52S was also heavily damaged in the Sharp Rock area when the hillside below the road collapsed and slid away.

Thunderstorm Wind in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 04:02:00 to 20-JUN-11 04:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: GOINS
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Sixty to ninety trees were blown down on Hwy 92E near the Knox county line.

Heavy Rain in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 01:26:00 to 20-JUN-11 04:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLESBORO
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

The Yellow Creek RAWS site measured a three hour rainfall total of 3.05 inches.

Flash Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 04:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 07:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: PARAMOUNT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Three miners were trapped in a mine when flood waters began rushing into the shaft they were working in. The men were trapped for 14 hours before they were able to be rescued.

Flash Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 20-JUN-11 04:00:00 to 20-JUN-11 07:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIDDLESBORO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Numerous roads were under water throughout Middlesboro, including 35th, 19th, and 25A. A spotter reported that at least 3-4 inches of rain had fallen overnight.