By TOM LATEK, Kentucky Today

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - Flood waters continue to recede in central Kentucky, while rivers in the west are not expected to crest until as late as next week, and authorities have now confirmed that at least seven Kentuckians have lost their lives in the floodwater.

Those deaths have occurred in Bullitt, Carroll, Franklin, McCracken, Nelson, Pendleton and Trigg counties, according to Gov. Andy Beshear, who announced the latest one Thursday evening in a Facebook post. "Please add these families to your prayers. Let's show them we love them and they're not alone during this difficult time."

He also noted, "Let's remember that this is still a dangerous threat. We don't want to lose anyone else to floodwaters. That means everyone needs to continue to take the threat seriously and never drive through standing water."

As of Thursday, 353 state roads were closed, 341 by high water and 12 by mudslides or rockslides. This is down from more than 550 roads closed at the peak of the flood. Bridge inspections and highway damage assessments are under way: 85 bridges have been inspected, 4 with issues, including on KY 1462 in Marshall County and Tim Road bridge in Graves County.

State highway crews continue to place barricades, help people detour around high water and clear roads of mudslides and debris while making repairs where possible. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet warns that in addition to not driving through standing water, for your safety, do not pass barricades, signs or cones. For a full list of state highway closures and detours, visit GoKy.ky.gov.

The National Weather Service says the Ohio River is expected to crest just below major flood stage late Friday evening at Owensboro, near moderate flood stage at Henderson on Sunday, and at moderate flood stage in Paducah next Thursday. The Mississippi River at Hickman will crest at major flood stage early Saturday but not drop below major flood stage for another week.