As floodwaters continue to rise in McLean County, local officials and residents are working together to mitigate damage and provide assistance to those affected.
Judge-Executive Curtis Dame said the county, which has a history of flooding, has been proactive in its response, utilizing emergency resources and coordinating efforts with federal, state, and local agencies.
“McLean County is a resilient community, especially when it comes to floodwaters,” Dame said. “Over 60% of our county is zoned for flooding, so we use Flood Insurance Rate mapping from FEMA and the federal government to plan ahead.”
The Green River is expected to crest between 32 and 32.1 feet at Lock and Dam No. 2 by Tuesday, Dame said. The county has been closely monitoring conditions and has distributed roughly 250 sandbags to residents in need. He said support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Daviess County Emergency Management Agency has been instrumental in these efforts.
Dame emphasized the importance of preparation and communication, noting that the county’s recent designation as a Storm Ready community has improved emergency response capabilities.
“We’ve learned a lot from past weather-related disasters, like the Bremen tornado,” Dame said. “Being a Storm Ready community means we have more efficient communication methods and better resource allocation.”
Emergency responders, including the county’s Emergency Management Agency, fire departments, and law enforcement, have been coordinating efforts to ensure public safety. While no major road closures have been reported yet, Dame warned that if water levels surpass 32.1 feet, parts of the county could become inaccessible.
“If we hit 34 feet, like we saw in 1997 and 2011, it completely changes our emergency response,” he said. “We have to physically place ambulances on high ground in the southern part of the county because standard response routes won’t be usable.”
A few families have already been displaced, but thanks to partnerships with the Kentucky Red Cross and neighboring communities, they have been relocated safely. Dame praised the cooperation of various agencies and organizations, saying that effective communication has been key in ensuring residents receive timely assistance.
“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Dame said. “We’re doing our best to keep everyone informed and prepared.”
McLean County remains under a state of emergency as officials continue to monitor water levels and coordinate response efforts. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels.
