Weather
Woman and her 7-year-old daughter died in Hart County flash flooding, child identified
HART COUNTY, KY – A woman Amy Philpott and her 7-year-old child, Charlotte Philpott, tragically lost their lives after their vehicle was swept away by flash flooding in the Bonnieville community of Hart County on Saturday night, authorities confirmed.
According to Hart County Coroner Tony Roberts, emergency responders from Campbellsville and Hart County were dispatched to Campground Road near Bacon Creek following reports of a water rescue.
Despite their best efforts, rising floodwaters and hazardous nighttime conditions forced crews to halt rescue operations before they could safely retrieve the victims and their vehicle.
Rescue teams recovered the child’s body from the submerged vehicle late Saturday night, but efforts to locate the mother had to be suspended until conditions improved.
On Sunday morning, search teams resumed recovery efforts and successfully retrieved the mother’s body later in the day.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Louisville reported that the tragic incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, when the victims’ vehicle was overtaken by rapidly rising floodwaters.
The devastating floods have wreaked havoc across Kentucky, triggering over 1,000 rescues as emergency teams race to assist those stranded by rising waters.
At least eight fatalities have been confirmed so far, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as search-and-rescue efforts continue.
“This is one of the most serious weather events we’ve dealt with in at least a decade,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated on Sunday.
Victims have been reported in Hart, Pike, and Clay counties, with many fatalities involving vehicles caught in floodwaters. Gov. Beshear urged residents to avoid driving in flooded areas to prevent further loss of life.
In Clay County, officials confirmed that a 73-year-old man was found dead in floodwaters, according to Revelle Berry, Deputy Director of County Emergency Management.
Widespread Impact Across the State
- Nearly 40,000 residents remain without power.
- 9,800 service connections are currently without water.
- 26,000 residents are under a boil-water advisory.
- Pike County School District announced indefinite school closures due to the disaster.
On Sunday, Gov. Beshear announced that President Donald Trump had approved his request for federal disaster relief funding to assist impacted communities.
Parts of Kentucky and Tennessee were inundated with up to six inches of rainfall over the weekend, according to Bob Oravec, senior forecaster at the National Weather Service.
“The effects will continue for a while—a lot of swollen streams and a lot of flooding still happening,” Oravec warned. “Even when the rain stops, floodwaters can linger for much longer.”
In addition to the devastation in Kentucky, officials confirmed that a levee in Rives, Tennessee, failed Saturday afternoon, flooding nearby neighborhoods. The extent of the impact remains unclear, and authorities are continuing to assess the damage.
Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious, avoid flooded roads, and follow local emergency guidelines as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Hurley, VA – Authorities have declared a Flash Flood Emergency for Hurley, Virginia, as severe flooding submerges large portions of the community.
Nearby areas, including Grundy and Slate Creek, are also experiencing significant flood conditions, with emergency responders working to address the escalating crisis.
Heavy and persistent rainfall across regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia has led to dangerous flooding, affecting homes, roadways, and critical infrastructure.
The Hurley area is currently inundated with rising waters, prompting urgent warnings for residents to seek higher ground and avoid flooded areas.
Emergency services have issued a Flash Flood Emergency—the most serious type of flood alert—indicating immediate life-threatening conditions and extensive property damage.
The flooding extends beyond Hurley, impacting nearby areas such as Grundy and Slate Creek, where water levels continue to rise.
Local officials report impassable roads, stranded residents, and ongoing rescue operations.
Emergency management teams are actively working to assist affected residents, while public safety officials urge the community to:
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways and low-lying areas.
- Seek higher ground immediately if located in flood-prone zones.
- Follow local emergency alerts and evacuation orders.
Meteorologists warn that additional rainfall is expected to exacerbate conditions, prolonging the risk of flash flooding across the region. Residents are advised to stay informed through official weather channels and heed all safety advisories.
This is a developing situation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.