Major flooding expected to last until end of the week in wake of deadly storm: 'Remain alert'
Flood alerts remain in effect in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Arkansas in the wake days of deadly storms that devastated the central U.S. with catastrophic rainfall and destructive tornadoes.
Major flooding is expected to continue through the end of the week. Twenty-six river gauges are currently in major flood stage and at least 36 locations could reach major flood stage.
Although many rivers have crested and are starting to recede in hard-hit Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said on social media Wednesday, "We still need everyone to remain alert."
"Please move to higher ground if needed, listen to emergency management officials and be safe," he said.
At least 24 people have died from the storms, with the fatalities spanning Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi and Indiana.
Five of the deaths were in Kentucky, including a 9-year-old boy, Gabriel Andrews, who was swept away by floodwaters while walking to his school bus stop in hard-hit Frankfort , and a 27-year-old man, Lee Chandler, who was swept away by floodwaters in McCracken County.
The rainfall from these storms was historic. More than 15 inches of rain deluged Benton, Kentucky -- the most rain on record in a four-day period for the western part of the state -- and over 14 inches of rain inundated Arkansas and Tennessee.
President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Monday announced a new website, Floodsmart.gov, to help people directly access flood insurance quotes.
"It’s quick and easy and takes just a few minutes. Insured survivors recover faster," Cameron Hamilton, senior official performing the duties of FEMA administrator, said in a statement. "With spring flooding and hurricane season both approaching fast, it's important to take this first step so you can better protect the life you’ve built."
"It's critical flood survivors document damage," Beshear said on social media Wednesday. "Take pictures of everything, including serial numbers for appliances that have been destroyed. Keep receipts of cleaning equipment bought. The more information you have, the easier the FEMA process will be if we receive approval."
ABC News' Melissa Griffin, Max Golembo and Luke Barr contributed to this report.
