Eastern Kentucky, the tornado threat has passed, but we’re not completely in the clear yet. While the Tornado Watch ended at 11 PM, the Flood Watch is still in effect, and the heavy rain we’ve already seen has left behind rising waters. Flash flooding is a very real risk, so even though the storm’s worst is behind us, we need to stay on guard.
What’s Going On Right Now:
Good news: The tornado threat is over. The Tornado Watch has officially ended, which means the danger from tornadoes has passed. But there’s still a lot of rain coming down, and flooding continues to be a serious issue. Streams, rivers, and roads are starting to flood, and more rain is expected through the night.
Even though the tornadoes are no longer a threat, flash floods can happen quickly, especially if you’re in an area that’s prone to flooding. The rain is still falling, and flooding is something we need to take seriously.
Why Flooding Is Still a Big Deal
Flooding can sneak up on you. The ground is already soaked, and with all this rain, floodwaters are rising quickly. Flash floods can happen fast, sometimes with just a few inches of water. Even if you don’t see it coming, flooding can make roads impassable and put you in danger, especially if you live near rivers or in low-lying areas.
When the rain falls so fast, there’s no place for the water to go but up. And even if the tornado risk is over, flooding can cause just as much, if not more, damage in some places.
How to Stay Safe:
Here’s what you need to do to stay safe as the night unfolds:
-
Stay Informed: The Tornado Watch may be over, but the Flood Watch is still active. Keep checking for weather updates, whether that’s through your phone or local news. Flooding can get worse quickly, and you’ll want to know if the situation changes.
-
Avoid Flooded Roads: Don’t drive through standing water. It only takes a few inches to sweep a car away. If you see a flooded road, turn around and find a different route. It’s better to be safe than risk getting stuck or swept away.
-
Move to Higher Ground: If you live near a river or in an area that’s prone to flooding, head to higher ground now, just to be safe. Flash floods can develop really fast, and it’s better to move to safety before things get too dangerous.
-
Stay Indoors: If you’re at home, stay there. Conditions can change quickly, and the safest place to be right now is inside. If you were planning on going out, it might be better to wait until things calm down.
-
Get Your Emergency Kit Ready: If you haven’t already, gather your essentials: flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, and non-perishable food and water. Flooding can last for hours, so it’s a good idea to have everything you need in case you’re stuck at home for a while.
What’s Next?
Even though the tornado threat is over, the Flood Watch is still active, and we’re expecting more rain tonight. If you’ve already seen flooding, don’t assume it’s over yet—things could get worse before they get better. Keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to take action if necessary.
We’ve made it through the tornado danger, but the flooding risk is still very real. With the Flood Watch still in place and more rain coming, we all need to stay alert. Stay informed, stay safe, and make sure you’re ready for anything.
