The first recovery centers opened on March 7th in Breathitt and Clay counties after flooding events in February.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been in Kentucky since, to aid in severe weather recovery. Additional centers were opened in April and May following severe weather events that hit the Central U.S.
Severe thunderstorms, flooding, mudslides and tornadoes have impacted the state since February.
The Kentucky Climate Center recorded a statewide rain average of 26.42 inches in the first four months of 2025, making this period the wettest in the 130 year climate record of the state. Annually, Kentucky averages 50.36 inches of rain in a normal year.
Western Kentucky reported above the four month average with 28.74 inches.
Yet, less than 1-percent of Kentuckians have flood insurance.
There are two active disaster declarations in Kentucky. One declared on February 24, with an incident period of February 14th to March 7th.
Ten fatalities, over 1,000 water rescues and 40,000 customers without power were reported during this period.
The second was declared two months later on April 24th, with an incident period that started April 2nd.
Eligible individuals and families affected are still able to apply for federal assistance.
Henderson’s disaster recovery center was planned to open Thursday afternoon, May 22. They operate from 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday and 1 PM to 7 PM Sunday.
Services available at this center include General information and hazard mitigation from FEMA, Small Business Administration (SBA) Home and Business loans, as well as other state and local services.
FEMA representatives have also been going house-to-house in the county this week visiting with those impacted by the flood and helping residents understand what benefits they might be eligible to receive.
19 tornado related deaths have been reported in the commonwealth state following last week’s severe storms.
