Barren River flooding update

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. – Over the last several weeks, Kentucky has seen an extensive amount of flood and other weather damage. Barren River Lake is one of the areas that has received the most damage.

After President Roosevelt signed the Flooding Control Act in 1938, Barren River Dam was built. Its purpose was to help flooding control and serve as a destination spot.

However, recent weather has greatly impacted the area. Water has reached a record-breaking 586 feet in April, 50 feet above the start of the year, and officials are still actively tracking these measurements. As water slowly begins to go down, there is still major flooding around the lake.

Dan Taylor, Lead Ranger for the US Army Corps of Engineers at Barren River, assures others they are “going to be releasing more water.” However, Taylor adds that there are guidelines they need to follow that ensure to not “not flood out [farmers’] crops.” He encourages others to be patient with him and his team. They expect water to back to normal levels in the summer if no more flooding occurs.

Other areas around the lake have experience damage. Some boat ports and camping grounds, like Bailey’s Point, have been off limits to the public. Residents in the area have had numerous tree fall and damage to their property.

Despite recent events, Rob Herrington, Owner of Proof Beer, Wine, & Spirits, offers some advice for Barren natives and people passing through. He touches on the magnitude of how a “good time can turn into a bad time really quickly.” Herrington says to “be smart, be safe, and support your local businesses.”

News 40 will keep you informed any new updates. For all weather coverage, download the WNKY Weather app.