Four dozen Kentucky counties are under a Flood Watch until Sunday.
“Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said while placing 48 Kentucky counties, including Grayson, under a Flood Watch.
The area is expected to receive two to five inches of rainfall Friday night through Sunday morning, with the heaviest rain predicted to drench the area on Saturday afternoon, according to the NWS. Locally higher rain amounts are possible.
With soil already saturated from snow and rain, isolated flash flooding is a concern, the NWS stated.
Grayson County Emergency Management (GCEM) said that if flooding does occur, the affected section of roadways will be closed.
“Please don’t drive around the barricades. They are there for your safety,” GCEM said.
The NWS says “six inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult, (while) 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry away a small car. Eighteen to 24 inches of fast-moving water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks.”
GCEM also encourages motorists to have a plan before venturing out and be aware that low-lying areas are prone to flooding. Power outages are also possible.
Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday declared a state of emergency in Kentucky.
“We want everyone to be careful,” Beshear said. “The amount of rain coming down will make it hard to drive, and flash flooding, especially across our roads, can create dangerous conditions. And remember, don’t drive through standing water, it can have a current, and it is incredibly dangerous.”
The state’s Emergency Operations Center and units from the Kentucky National Guard stand ready to respond, the governor’s office said
Beshear also implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.
Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.
Kentucky counties under a Flood Watch: Adair, Allen, Anderson, Barren, Bourbon, Boyle, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Casey, Clark, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Hart, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, LaRue, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Marion, Meade, Mercer, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson, Nicholas, Ohio, Oldham, Russell, Scott, Shelby, Simpson, Spencer, Taylor, Warren, Washington, and Woodford.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
