FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Saturday as severe flooding swept across much of Kentucky following heavy rainfall, leaving at least four people dead and prompting multiple rescue operations across the state.

Some areas received up to 8 inches of rain, with water continuing to rise and pose dangerous conditions in multiple counties. Beshear said he plans to request federal assistance for recovery efforts as search-and-rescue operations continue.

"This is a serious flooding event, where teams have already had to conduct multiple water rescues from vehicles and homes across the commonwealth," Beshear said in a statement.

Three of the deaths occurred in Madison County and one in Jackson County, with authorities still working to confirm additional fatalities. In Madison County, officials reported that a man and woman drowned in a home that was underwater near Richmond.

Eighteen local governments have declared emergencies, including Bullitt, Clinton, Cumberland, Garrard, Grayson, Jackson, Jessamine, Madison, Meade, Mercer, Metcalf, Spencer and Wayne counties, plus the cities of Albany, Brandenburg, Burkesville, McKee and Muldraugh.

Emergency response teams including Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, and urban search and rescue units have deployed across the state. Seventeen households are sheltering in Madison County, while about 320 homes in Madison County lack water service. Many roads remain closed statewide.

Beshear urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly after dark, due to hazardous road conditions and limited visibility. For non-emergency assistance, residents should call the State Warning Point at 1-800-255-2587 rather than 911. Drivers can check road conditions at GoKy.Ky.gov.

The governor also announced that price gouging protections are in effect under the emergency declaration.