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FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The death toll continues to rise from the weekend flooding, and while recovery efforts continue statewide, emergency management personnel are also concerned about potentially six more inches of snowfall forecast this week, along with bitterly cold conditions.

During a Monday morning press conference, Gov. Andy Beshear announced 11 people have been confirmed dead and warned that number could rise. The latest are a man in Boyd County and another man in Hardin County. There are also multiple search and rescue missions underway.

“There are still people in harm’s way, and it’s very important that we continue to remind folks not to drive through standing water or around barricades, which are there for a reason,” he said. “We need to make sure that we are not creating additional emergency situations, so that all of our first responders can focus on those who we know are stranded and need help.”

In preparation for the stabilization and temporary housing phase of the emergency response, Beshear said he has established “The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund.”

“This will assist those impacted by the flood and severe weather system,” he stated. “Those who can, please donate at teamkystormrelieffund.ky.gov. The first use of this fund will be to pay for funerals, so the families don’t have to wait around for reimbursement. They’re already going through enough and we have far too many families that have lost a loved one.”

Beshear noted the severity of the flooding in Eastern Kentucky is not to the level of July 2022, but is more widespread. “We saw daily record rainfall in Frankfort, Paducah, Bowling Green, London and Jackson. Major or moderate flooding has occurred or is forecast on the Green, Rolling Fork and Kentucky Rivers.”

The flooding has led to widespread power and other utility outages, as of mid-day Monday. 14,600 electric customers are without power. Over 17,000 customers are without water and 28,000 are under a boil water advisory.

There are 175 soldiers and airmen from the Kentucky National Guard engaged in operations, with four from the Indiana Guard. The Governor said more aviation units from Indiana and Tennessee will soon be added to the response.

Other numbers released by the governor include Kentucky State Police telecommunicators have answered 6,600 calls for service, 143 people are currently being sheltered at four Kentucky State Resort Park lodges, and 344 state or federal roads are closed due to the high water.