People living in southeastern Kentucky should prepare for wet and stormy weather starting Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Jackson has warned that showers and thunderstorms could bring heavy rainfall to many areas. Some of the heaviest rain may fall in places like Harlan, Bell, and Pike counties.
Storms are likely to begin in southwestern Kentucky by late Monday and then move into southeastern parts overnight. The weather is expected to remain stormy through Tuesday morning, with the rain easing by Tuesday afternoon.
Risk of Local Flooding in Some Areas
Although most places will get less than one inch of rain, some areas could receive more. This is because of “training storms”—when multiple storms pass over the same place in a short time. When this happens, the rain can quickly add up, increasing the risk of flash floods and water collecting on roads.
Counties like Harlan, Bell, and Pike are most at risk for this kind of heavy rain. People living there should be careful and avoid roads that often flood. Even small streams and creeks could rise quickly, causing local flooding.
Safety Tips During the Storm
Local emergency officials are giving some important advice to help people stay safe during the stormy weather. It’s best to avoid travelling on roads that usually flood when it rains. Secure outdoor items like garden furniture or trash bins so they don’t get blown away or damaged.
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged, so you can get emergency alerts or updates even if the power goes out. Listen to local weather reports and follow any instructions from local officials.
Rain May Slow Down by Tuesday Afternoon
The chances of storms will start going down by Tuesday afternoon. However, the weather can still change quickly. More weather alerts or warnings may be given if conditions become worse. So, it’s a good idea to stay prepared and keep checking the forecast until the storm passes.
People living in flood-prone areas should be extra cautious and make sure they have a safe plan in case they need to move quickly. Stay inside during heavy rain and avoid walking or driving through flooded roads.
