This is the amusing moment a Kentucky flood resident kayaked over to his car that was stranded in rising floodwater.

Footage shows Tim Jackson paddling through his yard to reach the stricken vehicle in Gray, Kentucky, on Saturday, February 15.

Flooding wreaked havoc across the state after torrential rains triggered rapidly rising waters, leading to more than 1,000 rescues as emergency responders assisted those trapped in the deluge.

Bob Oravec, senior National Weather Service forecaster, said parts of Kentucky and Tennessee received up to six inches (15cm) of rain.

Authorities issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings for Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina as the storm system moved through.

The storm also knocked out power to around 40,000 homes.

Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that eight people died as creeks overflowed following the heavy rains.

President Donald Trump granted the state's request for a disaster declaration, enabling the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with relief efforts in the region.

Emergency personnel continued monitoring the situation as residents braced for further flooding.