Beginning on February 3rd, numerous rounds of rainfall began to impact eastern Kentucky. This continued through February 7th, highlighted by heavy rainfall from the evening of February 5th through the first half of February 6th. Rain amounts of 4-6 inches fell across much of southeastern Kentucky over this period. This led to major flooding and numerous mudslides across portions of Whitley, Perry, Letcher, Leslie, Knox, Harlan, Clay, and Bell Counties. The Governor subsequently declared a State of Emergency for these 8 counties.
Major flooding occurred along the Cumberland River at Pineville, Barbourville, and Williamsburg. Additionally, the communities of Loyall and Baxter experienced major flooding. Numerous roads became impassable across large portions of Whitley, Knox, Clay, Leslie, Letcher, Harlan, Perry, and Bell counties. In particular, Harlan County was hit extremely hard with the Kentucky Mesonet site on Black Mountain (4031 foot elevation) receiving over 6.5 inches of rain over this stretch.
Flood gates were closed in Pineville and Harlan, further impacting local travel. A couple of mobile homes were flooded and swept down the Cumberland River in Harlan County, while swift water rescues took place in Bell and Harlan Counties. Elkhorn Dam in Jenkins had water rushing over it for a period of time on February 6. A man went missing in Whitley County and was later found deceased in his car on Kentucky Highway 779 after his attempt to drive into flood waters. A total of seven homes were reported to have been in or under water across Whitley County as the Cumberland River in Williamsburg crested to its third highest stage on record of 34.84 feet. The city of Pineville saw the river rise to its second highest crest in history at 1019.06 feet, leading to several families being stranded without homes.
While impacts were certainly greatest along the Cumberland River, several portions of the Kentucky River also flooded. Several roads were impacted in Hazard and Whitesburg, while Booneville, Heidelberg, and Ravenna also exceeded flood stage. Along the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River, a rarity occurred as Pikeville hit flood stage and forced the city to shut its flood gates.

Heavy Rain in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 04:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 10:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: YALE
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A local newspaper snapped a photo of a mudslide on U.S. Highway 421 near Bledsoe near the Harlan County line, forcing the closure of the road.

Flood in LETCHER, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 05:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JENKINS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 350.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A local radio station reported nearly 3 dozen roads impacted by flood waters across Letcher County, including several locations in Whitesburg and Jenkins. Mudslides were also caused by the previous heavy rainfall. Elkhorn Dam was seen with water rushing over it into the streets downtown due to the heavy rain.
Emergency Management also reported numerous roads impacted by flood waters. The most substantial of these being on Orchard Road near the community of Ice, west of Whitesburg. High water in the North Fork of the Kentucky River caused a pier of a bridge to be ripped up and destroyed.

Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 02:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: DORTON BRANCH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 4.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Local media reported devastating flooding throughout Bell County, including damage to approximately 90 homes. This includes Pineville, where the Cumberland River crested to its second highest stage in history, forcing officials to close the city's floodgates. The community of Fourmile was hard hit, while the Dorton Branch community saw several people without homes as flood waters of nearly a foot deep impacted them. Several homes and businesses, including Faith Missionary Baptist Church, sustained damage. Middlesboro was also heavily impacted as numerous businesses and homes were inundated. At least three water rescues were made by public safety officials between Pineville and Middlesboro.

Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 13:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HEIDRICK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch reported several roads inundated by flood waters and mudslides across the county. These include Kentucky Highway 229 near Heidrick, Kentucky Highway 11 near Barbourville, and Asher Branch Road off of Kentucky Highway 229. Hundreds of individuals experienced a lack of clean water due to mudslides affecting the water supply across the county. Additionally, Emergency Management reported 37 homes impacted by flood waters, particularly along the Cumberland River.

Flood in HARLAN, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 09:31:00 to 06-FEB-20 19:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAND HILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A local newspaper and citizens reported a couple of mobile homes being swept into the Cumberland River outside of Harlan as the river overspilled its banks. Approximately 70 homes were reported to have been impacted by flood waters across the county. Various streets, especially northeast of Harlan, were closed due to flood waters, including Kentucky Highway 413 from U.S. Highway 421 to Kentucky Highway 522. Portions of U.S. Highway 119 were also closed around Loyall and Baxter near the Cumberland River as major flood stage was reached. This forced the closure of flood gates in Harlan.

Flood in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 02:00:00 to 09-FEB-20 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILLIAMSBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 4.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency Management reported extensive flooding in Williamsburg and elsewhere across Whitley County, especially east of town. Several swift water rescues were performed with one woman being diagnosed with hyperthermia. At least 38 homes were inundated with water, with six of these being completely under water. Many businesses also sustained extensive water damage, especially along the Cumberland River basin. Several local residents rate this as the second worst flood in their memory, right behind that of the April 1977 flood.
On February 10th, a man was found dead inside his vehicle on Kentucky Highway 779. He apparently attempted to drive through flood waters on his way to work on February 6th.

Flood in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 13:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ONEIDA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 120.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch reported water over Kentucky Highway 66 near Oneida, while several other communities and roads across Clay County were impacted by flood waters.

Debris Flow in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 05-FEB-20 23:02:00 to 05-FEB-20 23:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: SURRAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A citizen reported a mudslide, due to ongoing heavy rain, along Kentucky Highway 92 about two miles off of U.S. 25E.

Debris Flow in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 05-FEB-20 23:06:00 to 05-FEB-20 23:06:00 (EST-5)
Location: KETTLE IS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A citizen observed a mudslide, due to ongoing heavy rain, along Kentucky Highway 221 near Kettle Island.

Flood in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 07:28:00 to 06-FEB-20 09:28:00 (EST-5)
Location: BARTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A citizen reported water over the road near Barton.

Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 05-FEB-20 23:06:00 to 06-FEB-20 11:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: STONEY FORK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 16.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A citizen reported standing water over Kentucky Highway 2011 in Stoney Fork. A church and multiple homes also had water surrounding and inundating them.

Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 00:50:00 to 06-FEB-20 11:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: BINGHAMTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A citizen reported water over Happy Hollow Road northeast of Middlesboro.

Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 05-FEB-20 23:06:00 to 06-FEB-20 11:06:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLEAR CREEK SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A citizen reported water on Kentucky Highway 190 near Kentucky Highway 1491.

Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 02:54:00 to 06-FEB-20 12:54:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLANCHE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A citizen observed 3 foot deep water in a yard near Arjay.

Flood in BELL, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 10:21:00 to 06-FEB-20 16:21:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIRACLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 11.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Local media reported Bell County Veterans Memorial Park was under 2-3 feet of water, while a mudslide was observed on Kentucky Highway 987 near the Miracle Bridge.

Heavy Rain in WHITLEY, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 04:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAXTON
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch reported a trio of mudslides, due to previous heavy rainfall, across the county. Two of these were on Kentucky Highway 92 east of Williamsburg with the other on Interstate 75 a couple of miles from the Tennessee state line.

Heavy Rain in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 05:30:00 to 06-FEB-20 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ELIMER
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch relayed reports of mudslides, due to previous heavy rainfall, on Kentucky Highway 805 southeast of Dorton and Kentucky Highway 197 in Elkhorn City.

Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 12:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: VIPER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 8.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch relayed a report of water over Upper River Road near Viper. Additionally, a couple of homes near Viper and Jeff had water get under their floors and carpet.

Flood in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 05-FEB-20 20:19:00 to 06-FEB-20 08:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOLLYHILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.20K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter observed water from Osborn Creek flooding fields and covering Granny Holt Knob Road near Hollyhill.

Flood in KNOTT, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 13:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOUSIE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.20K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch relayed reports of water over Kentucky Highway 550 near Mousie and Carrie.

Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 05-FEB-20 23:30:00 to 06-FEB-20 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: JARVIS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Local law enforcement reported numerous roads, nearly a dozen at one point, closed across the county due to flood waters. This includes near Baughman and just east of Garrich, including Kentucky Highway 1527.

Heavy Rain in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 05:30:00 to 06-FEB-20 12:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: PIKEVILLE
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reported a mudslide, due to previous heavy rainfall, on Kentucky Highway 1460 near Pikeville Elementary School.

Flood in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 11:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DRYHILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 225.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Local media reported significant flooding in Hyden, leading to a state of emergency declaration for the city. The city park was one of the areas under water. Several other locations around the county experienced significant road damage.

Flood in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 17:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAYO VLG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River in Pikeville hit minor flood stage, causing the city to close their flood gates.

Heavy Rain in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 06:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SEITZ
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Local Emergency Management reported several mudslides, due to previous heavy rainfall, across southwestern to central portions of Magoffin County, including southwest of and near Salyersville.

Flood in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 05-FEB-20 20:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HILL TOP
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 70.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency Management observed portions of Yamacraw Boat Dock Rd west of Stearns along with a concrete boat ramp washed out due to flood waters. The road bed under the road and boat ramp washed down the hill side causing everything to crack and break loose, sliding down the hillside.

Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 06-FEB-20 12:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAZARD ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 55.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch reported River Road was closed due to high water near the VFW Post in Hazard. East Main Street along with other side roads were also inundated along the North Fork of the Kentucky River, along with a few buildings.

Flash Flood in MCCREARY, KENTUCKY
From 05-FEB-20 21:18:00 to 05-FEB-20 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOLLYHILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Dispatch reported several roads with water rushing over them along Osborn Creek and near Hollyhill. This includes Granny Holt Knob being closed to traffic.