A Lexington homeowner says Monday’s flash flooding left several feet of water in his backyard and caused thousands of dollars in damage.
Chris McGinley, who lives on Venice Park, told WKYT that water reached his backyard, garage, and crawl space. He said the rain was not the only problem.
McGinley believes nearby work connected to Lexington’s Wolf Run Sewer Project may have worsened the flooding around his home.
The city said the project did not cause the flooding, though officials said the work may have contributed to mud left behind in the yard.
Once water reaches a house, cleanup can quickly become a fight over drainage, nearby construction, photos, insurance, and who is responsible for the mess left behind.
The Sewer Project Runs Near His Backyard
McGinley told WKYT the city has been working for more than a year on sewer improvements near his property.
Lexington’s project page says the Wolf Run Trunk G sanitary sewer project will replace and upsize about 4,500 feet of sanitary sewer line along Wolf Run Creek, from Lafayette Parkway to Southland Drive near Plaza Drive.
The city says construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
McGinley said the work removed trees, roots, and other natural systems that he believes had helped slow flooding. He told WKYT that change created a path for water to move toward his yard.
The City Says the Homes Are in a Flood Plain
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Charles Martin, Lexington’s acting commissioner for environmental quality and public works, told WKYT the sewer project did not cause the flooding.
Martin said FEMA maps show the homes are in a flood plain.
He said removing vegetation for the sanitary sewer project may have contributed to the mud left in McGinley’s yard, but he did not believe it contributed to the flooding itself.
Lexington Asked Residents To Report Flood Damage
After Monday’s flash flooding, Lexington officials urged residents with property damage to report it to 311.
The city said the National Weather Service reported 2.5 to 3 inches of rain in less than an hour and a half during the Monday morning downpour. Lexington’s notice also told residents to document losses before cleanup because photos can help support insurance claims.
The city said street flooding should be reported with a precise location so crews can inspect clogged storm drains, debris, and other problems that could contribute to future flooding.
Photos Matter Before the Yard Is Cleaned Up
For homeowners dealing with flood damage near a construction area, the first record should be made before mud is cleared, damaged items are moved, or water marks dry.
Photos of the yard, garage, crawl space, water line, mud path, drains, nearby work areas, damaged belongings, and cleanup costs can help keep the claim tied to what happened during the storm.
McGinley’s case has not resolved who is responsible for the damage. The city says the sewer project did not cause the flooding, while McGinley says the work changed how water moved toward his property.