By Angela Hatton
Smithland, KY – Around 4,000 residents have evacuated their homes in advance of rising flood waters western Kentucky. In Livingston County, flood waters were expected to breach the levee at Ledbetter Tuesday evening. Sandbagging efforts continue to save Smithland. Emergency Management Director David Koon says volunteers and the National Guard are working to shore up the wall and fill the areas where water is bubbling up through the sandy ground. The majority of evacuees have found shelter with family and friends, though the Red Cross has established several shelters across the region. Waters continue to block some roads. The Kentucky transportation cabinet reports over 280 road closures in 60 counties. Governor Steve Beshear was back in the western part of the state Tuesday. The Governor praised relief efforts, and the decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to breach the levee at Birds Point.