By Todd Hatton
Benton, KY – As flooding intensifies in western Kentucky, the commonwealth has opened a Regional Emergency Coordination Center at the Benton Armory in Marshall County. The center assists local emergency response efforts, allowing local, state, and federal officials to coordinate broad emergency responses across the region. Governor Steve Beshear is planning to return to the region today, where flooding has forced evacuations and National Guard troops have been sent in to help. Beshear will visit Paducah, Hickman and Benton on Tuesday.
Officials say more than 100 troops were helping Monday with evacuations in the cities of Ledbetter in Livingston County and Hickman in Fulton County. Smithland is also being evacuated. The lower Ohio River is expected to crest Thursday at almost 56 feet at Paducah and 55 feet at Smithland.