Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky declared a state of emergency on Saturday as heavy rain flooded parts of the state, leading to water rescues and reports of fatalities that officials were working to confirm.

“We’ve sadly already received reports of fatalities that we are working to confirm, and we need everyone to stay alert and do what’s needed to keep each other safe,” Mr. Beshear said.

Forecasters expect as much as seven inches of rain, he added.

Mr. Beshear urged residents to stay off the roads after dark, as emergency crews rescued people from flooded homes and vehicles.

Bullitt, Madison, Meade, Mercer and Spencer Counties declared local states of emergency, the governor said.

This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.