Kentucky Cities See Record-breaking Rainfall

Back-to-back weekend rain storms in Kentucky caused record-breaking precipitation and flash flooding that led to more than 80 people needing rescue from their homes by boat.

In Louisville, Saturday's rain nearly doubled the city's single-day record, with 5.91 inches falling on Oct. 5. The previous single-day record of 3.07 inches was set in 1910.

Ground-level apartments and homes were flooded and water inundated some vehicles, while the National Weather Service declared a flash flood emergency.

Eighty-four people were rescued from their homes over a series of 12 rescue endeavors, the (Louisville) Courier-Journal reported.

Mark Elliott, an evacuee, said the water rose surprisingly fast.

"Just a little bit of water on the road, next thing you know it looks like a tidal wave come through," he said, according to NBC News.

The city's sewer system was inundated by the rains, causing a back-up that further added to the difficult situation. By Monday, Louisville's sewage treatment plants were running at full capacity and will likely continue to do so for several days as floodwater is treated before being discharged into the Ohio River, the Courier-Journal, reported.

Saturday's storm also released generated enough rain to break the record for all-time October rainfall in Louisville, which was 5.07 inches.

Lexington, about 80 miles east, also saw record-breaking rainfall, although only 1.8 inches fell there.