Beattyville Businesses Rebuild After Devastating Kentucky Floods

One year after historic flooding, downtown businesses work to recover from damage and prepare for future disasters.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 3:31pm

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One year after historic floods ravaged Kentucky, killing more than 20 people, businesses in downtown Beattyville are working to recover from the devastation that left Main Street navigable only by boat. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has disbursed $72 million in flood aid, but many businesses like Three Rivers Veterinary Services and Fire Up Smoke Studio sustained significant damage and are still working to rebuild.

Why it matters

The 2026 Kentucky floods were a major disaster that impacted many small businesses in the Beattyville community. The recovery efforts highlight the resilience of local entrepreneurs, but also raise concerns about the town's long-term vulnerability to flooding and the need for improved disaster preparedness.

The details

The floods in February 2026 left downtown Beattyville submerged, with water levels reaching above the heads of residents. Businesses like Three Rivers Veterinary Services and Fire Up Smoke Studio sustained tens of thousands of dollars in damage, including destroyed equipment. While recovery efforts coordinated by the Beattyville Alliance have helped many businesses reopen, there are lingering concerns about the town's ability to withstand future floods.

  • The devastating floods struck Kentucky in February 2026.
  • One year later, in February 2027, businesses in downtown Beattyville are still working to recover.

The players

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has disbursed $72 million in flood aid to Kentucky since the 2026 disaster.

Three Rivers Veterinary Services

A local veterinary clinic that had to shut down for a month after sustaining $60,000 in damage, including the loss of a $40,000 X-ray machine.

Fire Up Smoke Studio

A local smoke shop that was heavily damaged by the floods, with mud covering the entire store.

Beattyville Alliance

A local organization that has helped coordinate recovery efforts for businesses in downtown Beattyville.

Nicholas Fernandez

A Beattyville resident who described the extreme water levels during the flood, with the water reaching above his head on Main Street.

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What they’re saying

“We'd been under water...you might see the top of my head...but that's about it.”

— Nicholas Fernandez, Beattyville Resident

“The water level was up to here in February.”

— Dr. Ryan Reams, Owner, Three Rivers Veterinary Services

“Beattyville Alliance has done really a wonderful job getting everything back.”

— Jameka Shuler, Manager, Fire Up Smoke Studio

“Just trying to bring it back to the original state it was absolutely torn down with mud everywhere we called it the mud flood.”

— Jameka Shuler, Manager, Fire Up Smoke Studio

What’s next

Residents and business owners in Beattyville remain concerned about the threat of future flooding and are exploring ways to improve the town's disaster preparedness and resilience.

The takeaway

The recovery efforts in Beattyville highlight the challenges small businesses face in the aftermath of natural disasters, as well as the importance of community-driven initiatives and government support in helping towns rebuild and become more resilient to future crises.