Mayor Gorton declares State of Emergency in Fayette County due to severe weather

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Mayor Linda Gorton has declared a State of Emergency in Fayette County in response to the severe weather impacting Kentucky since April 2, according to a release from the Mayor’s Office.

The State of Emergency is in effect until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7. Officials say the declaration was made to help provide aid to surrounding communities and to ensure Fayette County is eligible to apply for federal aid if needed.

“I have declared an emergency to allow us to provide aid to surrounding communities, and to ensure we can apply for federal aid if we need to,” Mayor Gorton said in the release. “Our fire teams are already helping Bowling Green and Butler.”

The severe weather has included heavy rain, damaging winds, severe hail, tornadoes, and widespread flooding. The release states that rainfall from this historic storm outbreak has left the state vulnerable to damage to public infrastructure and private property.

The declaration enables the Lexington-Fayette County Division of Emergency Management to coordinate mutual aid efforts with other communities throughout the state.

According to the release, the Lexington Fire Department has already deployed resources to assist other affected areas.

“The Lexington Fire Department sent seven firefighters certified as Swiftwater technicians and two boats to Bowling Green for potential rescue operations,” said Battalion Chief Derek Roberts. “The MAB 1 (Mobile Ambulance Bus), equipped with three specialized firefighter-paramedics, was sent to Butler to assist with the evacuation of a nursing home.”

Preparedness information is available through Lexington Emergency Management’s website at www.BeReadyLexington.com, their Facebook page: Lexington KY Emergency Management, and their X account: @LexKYEM.