Richmond mayor declares local state of emergency due to ‘hazardous’ flooding

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW via LEX NEWS) – Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe has issued a state of emergency over the city, effective immediately, due to excessive rainfall and flash flooding.

In his proclamation, Blythe states that a state of emergency is necessary as the ongoing weather conditions “present an immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Richmond and require extraordinary measures to protect life and property.”

According to the state of emergency issued, Blythe is directing all Richmond city departments to:

• Activate their emergency response plans and coordinate all recovery operations
• Take all lawful actions necessary to protect life, property, and “critical” infrastructure
• Request assistance from the Madison County Emergency Management Agency, the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, and other local, state, and federal agencies as needed
• Utilize emergency procurement procedures as permitted by law
• Urge the public to avoid flooded roadways, comply with safety evacuation orders, and monitor all official emergency information