Flood blocked the entrance to Lost River Cave in Kentucky following torrential rain.

Dramatic footage shows the popular tourist site submerged as rising water levels forced its closure in Bowling Green on February 16.

The Lost River Cave team stated that heavy rain caused the water to overtake the entrance, surging at least 30ft above normal levels.

Authorities explained that caves like Lost River serve as natural drainage systems for stormwater runoff, but excessive rainfall can lead to significant flooding.

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.