Estill County residents face snow cleanup after recent floods

Residents battle back-to-back weather events as snow coats flood-damaged areas

IRVINE, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Across the Bluegrass, some residents are taking a break from flood recovery to clear away the recent snowfall.

Snow plows and standing water are a familiar sight in several Kentucky communities as they grapple with the aftermath of severe flooding compounded by a winter storm.

The city of Irvine is among those hit hardest, with residents facing two extreme weather events in quick succession.

“Double wammy,” said Bill Lynch, a resident of Irvine. “I’m thankful that it’s not a heavy snow; it’s not wet and heavy, and it’s easy for me to remove off the sidewalk,” said Lynch.

Lynch, like many others, has turned to clearing away the snow, but the memories of last weekend’s major flood remain vivid.

“It’s been fearful, just not knowing who all’s going to be affected by it, and who all would lose property,” Lynch said. “And what they would come home to after the flood water goes down, you just always think about what people lose,” said Lynch.

Some Irvine residents were forced to evacuate their homes during the river flooding, but Lynch said the community’s strength and faith provide comfort during these challenging times.

“I don’t think anybody in this county would let a neighbor go and turn their back and walk away from them,” Lynch said. “I don’t think there’s a person in this county that would do that. And the main thing is God. God’s getting us through it, no doubt that He’s with us.”

Residents say flood conditions in Irvine have improved, but there is still much work to be done.