Several rounds of heavy rain moved across eastern Kentucky from late Friday, February 26th through early Monday, March 1st.  The combination of all the heavy rainfall led to significant flooding across a good portion of central and east Kentucky.  For some areas, this was the most significant flooding in the last 50 to 60 years, or more. FEMA estimates that this event cost $350-400 million dollars in damages, including both individual and public infrastructure. This is now the costliest event in Kentucky to date.
The first round of heavy rain came through on the morning of Saturday, February 27th.  This early rainfall targeted areas along the Hal Rogers Parkway, including Laurel, Clay, Perry, and Knott counties. Flash flooding let to some closed roads for a short time in these areas.
The second round of rainfall occurred late Saturday night as a warm front lifted northward across east Kentucky. The heavy rain stalled out over portions of Powell and Menifee Counties, leading to flash flooding into the early morning hours of Sunday.
Finally, the third round of heavy rain started late Sunday afternoon and continued through Sunday night. Given that much of the area had already received significant amounts of rain from the past two events, the ground was very saturated, and this last round caused widespread flash flooding across much of east Kentucky. As water made it's way to the larger creeks and rivers, these began to flood as well. River levels on the Kentucky river were some of the highest readings ever recorded, namely at Booneville and Ravenna. Clay City, Heidelberg, Jackson, Paintsville, and Salyersville also saw significant river flooding of which hadn't been seen in 40 to 50 years.
The periods of heavy rain and flooding led to numerous water rescues and mud/rock slides.  Many areas were cut off or blocked due to the flooding.  Power outages were also noted and reached as high as 12,000 during the peak of the flash flooding Sunday night.

Flash Flood in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 21:30:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARTIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Reports of 2 to 4 feet of water that is now inundating downtown Martin. Also notified of numerous water rescues ongoing across Floyd County as well.

Flood in PULASKI, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 10:00:00 to 27-FEB-21 14:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: OAK HILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Water was reported over the roadway about 2 SSW of Somerset, making the road impassable. The specific road was not defined.

Flash Flood in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 08:35:00 to 28-FEB-21 10:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: DRYHILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

KY 3425 (Dry Hill - MacIntosh Road) is flooded and impassable between the Mountain Parkway and Owls Nest Road.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 21:48:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: ELKATAWA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Highway 30 West outside of Jackson is shut down between mile markers 10 and 11 due to Cane Creek being out of its banks and flowing over the road.

Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 10:01:00 to 27-FEB-21 16:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: PLACE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

High water over the road near Hazel Fork Creek in Siler, just west of the community of Gray.

Flood in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 08:32:00 to 28-FEB-21 10:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: FLORRESS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Report received from MPing: River/Creek is overflowing and resulting in flooding of cropland/yard/and or basement.

Flash Flood in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 20:56:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SALYERSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Water rescues at the nursing home in Salyersville are underway at time of report. Burning Fork Creek flows just behind the nursing home.

Flood in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 09:48:00 to 27-FEB-21 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WAYLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Flood waters were reported to be over KY-1085 in the community of Wayland.

Flash Flood in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 08:35:00 to 28-FEB-21 10:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WENDOVER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Sections of Camp Creek Road along Camp Creek near Wendover-Hurricane Creek Road are flooded and impassable.

Flood in JACKSON, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 17:20:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: JOHNETTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Moderate flooding was reported in the low lying areas along Horse Lick Creek.

Flash Flood in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:00:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARETBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A water rescue is underway on Freedom School Road. A person is trapped in their car surrounded by flood waters.

Flood in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 19:46:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: DOTSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Middle Creek is flooded and continuing to rise in the Dotson community, encompassing yards and low lying areas along the creek.

Flood in LESLIE, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 08:37:00 to 27-FEB-21 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEAR BRANCH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A public report was posted via local broadcast media's social media. The picture showed flood waters up to the steps of a home in the Bear Branch community.

Flash Flood in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 07:10:00 to 28-FEB-21 09:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: MEANS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Hwy 460 was shut down due to high water flowing across the road near the 7000 block. Several cars stalled out in the water.

Flash Flood in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:10:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: HORSE CREEK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Approximately one foot of running water is flowing across the road near the intersection of Richmond Road and Town Branch Road in Manchester.

Flood in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 17:40:00 to 28-FEB-21 19:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: BONANZA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

KY 1427 (Abbott Creek Rd) about 3 miles west of U.S. 23 was impassable with 2.5 to 3 feet of water estimated to be flowing over it. A vehicle was stranded in the flood waters in this location. This is a very flood prone area.

Flood in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:05:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: (LOZ)MCGEE FLD LONDO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The Finley Fun Center in London has flood water surrounding the building with people inside. The Fire Dept. is on the scene.

Flood in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:10:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: LITTLETON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Highway 638 near Manchester has been closed due to flooding.

Flash Flood in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 19:37:00 to 28-FEB-21 21:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: LEE CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Water began rising in the Lee City community, leading to a water rescue. Exact location within the community is unknown.

Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 08:35:00 to 27-FEB-21 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: PRESS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

At mile marker 2 on Hwy 1098, water is across one lane. Also about 2.5 miles on Hwy 1098, both lanes are impassable.

Flood in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 23:05:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAPLESVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Flooding was ongoing across Sally's Branch Road. Local broadcast media posted a video on Facebook of a water rescue now occurring on this road.

Flash Flood in MORGAN, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 07:02:00 to 28-FEB-21 09:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WRIGLEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Water was reported covering the road at the intersection of Hwy 711 and Hwy 7, making the road impassable.

Flood in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 08:50:00 to 27-FEB-21 16:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: PIGEONROOST
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Old Hwy 80 is flooded across both lanes near the Pigeonroost community, and is impassable.

Flash Flood in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 07:10:00 to 28-FEB-21 09:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: FRENCHBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Multiple spots on Hwy 1274 had water flowing over the road. Road was shut down as a result.

Flash Flood in JACKSON, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 20:13:00 to 28-FEB-21 22:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: MORRILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

It was reported that water was over the junction of Hwy 421 and Hwy 3447 near the community of Morrill, and that a piece of the road was about to wash away as a result.

Flash Flood in KNOX, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 08:45:00 to 28-FEB-21 10:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: JARVIS STORE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

KY 229 was flooded and impassable at Elam Branch Rd along Richland Creek.

Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 21:50:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILHURST
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Highway 1812 closed in the Vancleve community due to high water.

Flood in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 11:51:00 to 27-FEB-21 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GLO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media had a picture shared on social media from the public, showing flooding across a road in the community of Estill and up to the edge of a home. The exact road is unknown.

Flood in JACKSON, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 17:00:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLIMAX
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Flooding of roads and low lying areas was reported in the Clover Bottom area. No specifics were given.

Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 21:54:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: CROCKETTSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Water is covering the road at mile marker 1 on Hwy 315 east of Morris Fork.

Flood in JACKSON, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 19:00:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLOVER BOTTOM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The flooding of low lying areas continues in the community of Clover Bottom. Water is rising, having gone up a few feet in the last 2 hours. There is now at least 1 to 2 feet over a roadway in the community (roadway unspecified).

Flood in FLOYD, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 20:22:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: BONANZA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Spotter reported 5 feet of water now over KY 1427 (Abbott Creek Rd) just west of Prestonsburg. Water was also continuing to rise.

Flood in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 09:29:00 to 27-FEB-21 16:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: ERILINE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A member of the public reported flood waters over the road near Peabody, making it impassable. The impacted road was not reported.

Flash Flood in MENIFEE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 07:10:00 to 28-FEB-21 09:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: TABOR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Hwy 713 was closed due to high water flowing over the road.

Flood in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 20:30:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HERRON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Report of a few inches of water flowing over the road at the intersection of Town Branch and Muddy Gap Rd.

Debris Flow in PIKE, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 08:50:00 to 27-FEB-21 08:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: KIMPER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A rock and mudslide were reported near the Kimper community on KY 194.

Flash Flood in MAGOFFIN, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 18:23:00 to 28-FEB-21 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: HENDRICKS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Swiftly flowing water was reported over KY 30 just northeast of Mill Branch Road making it impassable.

Flood in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:06:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: MAPLESVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Sally's Branch Road is flooded and not passable.

Debris Flow in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:10:00 to 28-FEB-21 22:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHEPHERDTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Two mudslides near Ponders Branch Road have blocked the road, just north of the Burning Springs community.

Flash Flood in ROCKCASTLE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 18:25:00 to 28-FEB-21 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRODHEAD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Multiple streets were reported to be covered with water and closed in the Broadhead community, including Silver Street and Church Street.

Flood in KNOTT, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 08:18:00 to 27-FEB-21 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BETTY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Highway 550 is flooded and impassable.

Flash Flood in LAUREL, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:11:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: LONDON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Video posted on social media of at least 6 inches of flowing water across Hampton Road in  London.

Flash Flood in BREATHITT, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 19:16:00 to 28-FEB-21 21:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILHURST
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Multiple side streets have at least 6 inches of water flowing over them in the Vancleve Community. Water is now surrounding houses and getting into garages.

Flood in KNOTT, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 08:25:00 to 27-FEB-21 17:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: TINA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Water was over a few roads in and near Hindman, making them impassable in some cases.

Flood in WOLFE, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:30:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: LEE CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Highway 205 is flooded near Lee City.

Flash Flood in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 07:00:00 to 28-FEB-21 09:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WALTERSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Adams Ridge Road was reported to have water flowing across the road making it impassable. An alternate route was being used for people traveling the road.

Flash Flood in PERRY, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 19:30:00 to 28-FEB-21 21:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: KRYPTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hwy 451 was shut down due to flash flooding in the Krypton community. The fire department also had to rescue someone from the flood waters.

Flood in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 27-FEB-21 08:28:00 to 27-FEB-21 16:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: SIDELL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A report from the public was shared on social media from a broadcast media source, showing a picture of flooding on Hwy 638 near the Sidell community, and what appears to be a vehicle stuck in the waters.

Flood in CLAY, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 22:59:00 to 28-FEB-21 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: TRIXIE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Grassy Branch Creek is flooding over nearby roads, likely in the Grassy Branch community. A ditch approximately 5 feet deep is well overflowing.

Flood in POWELL, KENTUCKY
From 28-FEB-21 07:00:00 to 28-FEB-21 09:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: VIRDEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Water was covering the road at mile marker 16 on the Mountain Parkway. The dispatch also reported that the road was not closed.