Bowling Green Declares State of Emergency Amid Historic Flooding

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Mayor Todd Alcott declared a state of emergency on Sunday, April 6, 2025, as Bowling Green grapples with unprecedented flooding. The declaration came as torrential rain throughout the weekend led to rising water levels, with multiple roads closed off by barriers and law enforcement.

Residents are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel as numerous roadways remain impassable. Anyone caught bypassing roadblocks will face citations, according to city officials. A press conference was held Sunday afternoon to provide updates on the situation.

Debi West, public information officer for the City of Bowling Green, reported that the hardest-hit areas are the Nashville Road, Louisville Road, and Russellville Road corridors. She noted that flooding has also severely impacted Cave Mill Road, Brentwood Place, and surrounding neighborhoods, including Greystone and Barberry Court.

As of late Sunday, Warren County Emergency Management officials are working on establishing a shelter for those displaced by the flooding. Specifics about the shelter’s location and availability are anticipated later in the day.

According to West, while no fatalities have been reported, the city is bracing for significant property damage due to the flooding. Both the storm sewer system and the underlying cave system are overwhelmed, causing stormwater and treated sanitary sewer water to flow into the Barren River. The river and Drake’s Creek, which contributes water from surrounding counties, are currently at flood stage.

Drake’s Creek has already crested and is expected to rise again at 7 p.m. Sunday, while the Barren River will crest for the second time at 1 a.m. Monday. West warned residents that floodwaters are likely contaminated with raw sewage, posing serious health hazards. “Any water that you see that is flood water has the potential to have raw sewage in it … People do not need to get into this water for any reason,” she cautioned.

Furthermore, West advised citizens to exercise extreme caution during this emergency, urging everyone to avoid flooded areas and to respect road barriers. “If you see water over a flooded roadway, don’t cross it,” she said.

The Bowling Green Fire Department has performed two water rescues due to the flooding, successfully aiding individuals in distress. Residents are encouraged to report any sightings of sinkholes to the city’s hotline at 393-3444. Officials are currently tracking multiple sinkholes throughout the city as groundwater issues worsen.

The declaration of a state of emergency also qualifies Bowling Green for potential FEMA assistance should the total damage meet necessary thresholds. “This declaration is crucial for us as we look towards recovery,” West stated during the press conference.