Hopkinsville woke up to a waterlogged nightmare Friday morning after more than 9 inches of rain drenched the area since Wednesday — and it’s not over yet.
With rain still in the forecast through Sunday, city and county officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and avoid flooded areas. The situation is serious — emergency teams have already pulled multiple people, pets, and even more than 40 animals from dangerous conditions.
According to Christian County Emergency Manager Randy Graham, an additional 4 to 6 inches of rain could fall this weekend, potentially creating “life-threatening” flooding. A temporary shelter has been opened at St. John Methodist Church on South Virginia Street, offering space for up to 100 people who’ve been forced out of their homes. Local hotels are stepping in to provide extra accommodations if needed.
First Responders Busy with Rescues
Hopkinsville Fire Chief Steve Futrell reported that emergency crews had already answered over 20 calls by early Friday afternoon. One heartbreaking incident involved a dog that didn’t survive the flooding at Pet Lodge on North Main Street, though the rest of the animals were rescued.
Futrell stressed that this is not the time for sightseeing. “We are still responding to emergencies,” he said. “Please be careful. Do not drive around barricades.”
Local Leaders Echo Warnings
Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight Jr. repeated the warning: “If the water is over the road — please turn around, don’t drown.”
Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam added that even if the sun peeks out, the risk remains high. “We’re looking at record-level flooding. We want everyone to be safe.”
Businesses Scramble to Protect Property
Downtown Hopkinsville looked more like a lake Friday morning. At the central intersection of Ninth and Main, water was knee-deep. Business owners like Tony Kirves, who’s run Southern Exposure photo studio there for over 30 years, were sandbagging doors and trying to keep the floodwaters out.
Kirves said his basement had filled with about 4 feet of water — and he’s bracing for more. “I’m trying to barricade the front and the side,” he said, remembering even worse flooding in 1997 that reached the studio’s main floor.
Other Main Street businesses were doing the same — stacking sandbags and hoping for the best.
Road Closures Mount Across Region
The list of closed roads in Christian County is long and growing. As of Friday evening, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reported closures on multiple sections of I-169, U.S. 41, U.S. 41A, KY 107, KY 109, KY 117, KY 272, KY 380, KY 400, and more.
Local street closures include:
- North Drive at West Second Street
- West Ninth at Bethel Street
- Riverfront Drive at West Fifth
- East Seventh from South Clay to South Campbell
- Donna Drive, Dawn Drive, Woodmill Road, and others
- Several areas with high water, including Canton Pike and Pyle Lane
City officials have also closed non-essential services, including the Hopkinsville Municipal Center, Christian County Clerk’s Office, and Justice Center (closed at noon). Hopkinsville Community College shifted to remote learning, while schools remained closed for spring break.
Stay Safe, Stay Home
With more rain on the way and already saturated ground, the risk of flash flooding remains high. Officials are pleading with residents: If you’re safe at home, stay there.
As the city navigates this crisis, local agencies, volunteers, and emergency personnel are working tirelessly to keep everyone safe.
