'Multiple families' have been killed in Kentucky's devastating floods, governor says: 'We've never seen something like this'

• At least 15 people are dead as devastating floodwaters swept through parts of Kentucky, Gov. Andy Breshear told CNN.
• "We've never seen something like this," Breshear said.

At least 15 people are dead as floodwaters in Kentucky crashed into homes and swept away cars, Gov. Andy Breshear told CNN's "New Day."

And the governor said he expects that the death toll could double by the time floodwaters recede.

"There's going to be multiple families that we've lost," Beshear told CNN on Friday morning. "Kids that won't get the opportunity to grow up and experience so much that we have."

"We've never seen something like this," he added.

More than 23,000 people in the state remained without power as of Thursday night, according to Kentucky power.

More rain fell in areas of the state Thursday night, with a break expected from Friday night until Sunday when more storms are predicted to arrive, according to the National Weather Service.

Beshear declared a state-wide state of emergency Thursday morning and on Thursday night tweeted that he made a "direct request" to President Joe Biden for federal assistance in the aftermath of the floods.

The national guard was deployed to help with rescue efforts. On Thursday, Maj. Gen. Hal Lamberton of the Kentucky Nation Guard said crews were working to make contact with people stranded in their homes — many of them seeking refuge on their roofs.