McLean County Judge-Executive Curtis Dame said the region is facing unprecedented flooding, with river levels nearing highs not seen since 1950. The Green River is projected to crest at 34.8 feet, which would rank as the fourth-highest level on record.
“People had a false sense of security after the river [rose] to 33.5 feet last time,” Dame said. “Now, it’s going to 34.8. That’s uncharted territory for most of us alive today.”
As of Monday afternoon, Green River was at 32.71 feet; the two more feet expected would be enough to significantly worsen conditions throughout the county. Dame said the National Guard is scheduled to arrive Tuesday around lunchtime with high-water rescue vehicles and boats. Homeland Security will also have a team on site with additional boats ready to check on residents.
“We’ve already got one road washed out, and people stayed even though the culvert collapsed,” he said. “We’ll be using boats to get in and check on them.”
Strategic efforts are underway, including the pre-deployment of ambulances and volunteer stations on both sides of flood-prone areas. A Red Cross shelter has been established at Calhoun Baptist Church, though Dame said some residents are reluctant to use it.
“No one wants to sleep on a cot in a big open room with strangers. They won’t say it, but that’s what we’re hearing,” he said.
In addition to human rescues, Dame is working to temporarily expand the county’s animal shelter to help those refusing to evacuate because of pets.
“We’re trying to remove every excuse for not leaving,” he said. “A lot of folks think they’ll be fine because they made it through ’97, but this is forecasted to be at least four-tenths of a foot higher.”
Dame said the county has been in contact with the National Weather Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the state Emergency Operations Center. He emphasized the importance of requesting aid early.
“You don’t get what you don’t ask for,” he said. “So we’ve asked for everything we might need.”
Though widespread evacuations haven’t yet been required in Calhoun or Livermore, Dame said the infrastructure is in place should it become necessary. Currently, six or seven families have relocated through county-coordinated efforts.
Main roadways are quickly becoming impassable. He said KY 81 is already affected and expects U.S. 431 to be underwater by Tuesday afternoon.
“We’re stationing traffic crews and possibly the Sheriff’s Department in multiple locations,” Dame said. “We’ve got people driving through high water, and we may need to start water rescues if that keeps up.”
Downtown Livermore hasn’t yet flooded, but Dame warned that will likely change by Tuesday afternoon.
“I’ve seen aerial photos from the 1997 flood, and there’s a good chance we’ll match or surpass that level,” he said. “It’s a different situation now — we’re ready, but this time we’re having to actually use the plan.”
Dame said wellness checks by boat should begin Tuesday afternoon.
