News Summary
Kentucky faces severe storms and flooding as a state of emergency is declared by Governor Andy Beshear. Intense weather is expected from Wednesday through Saturday, raising concerns over flash flooding and tornadoes. The Kentucky National Guard is on standby as residents implement safety measures. Historic rainfall could lead to life-threatening conditions, especially in Western Kentucky where areas may see up to 15 inches of rain. Authorities urge vigilance amidst this dangerous weather situation.
Severe Weather and Flooding Continues to Threaten Kentucky as State of Emergency Declared
Frankfort, Kentucky – A state of emergency has been declared by Governor Andy Beshear as severe storms are predicted to impact Kentucky from Wednesday evening through Saturday. The intense weather patterns raise concerns for flash flooding and tornado activity, which could pose significant risk to residents across the state.
The National Weather Service forecasts that the storms will first reach Western Kentucky around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, pushing eastward. Central Kentucky is expected to feel the effects between midnight and 4 a.m. on Thursday, followed by Eastern Kentucky between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Each location can anticipate storm activity lasting from one to two hours.
Notably, several counties in Western Kentucky are under the highest risk assessment (level 5 out of 5) for severe weather, indicating the potential for multiple tornadoes, some of which could be rated EF-3 or higher. Additionally, large hail and damaging winds are anticipated, compounding the already precarious situation.
Emergency Preparedness Measures
The Kentucky National Guard is on standby, with the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center activated to manage the situation effectively. Residents have begun implementing safety measures, including boarding up structures and utilizing sandbags as a flood barrier. The severe storms are expected to be followed by additional weather threats on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, albeit with a reduced risk level (level 2 out of 5).
Impact of Rainfall and Flooding
Historic rainfall is predicted to continue affecting the region up until Saturday, with forecasts suggesting that some areas in Western Kentucky could receive up to 15 inches of rain. This extreme precipitation poses serious risks, including life-threatening flash flooding and potential infrastructure damage.
As of April 2, 2025, the situation has already resulted in a confirmed death toll of five individuals due to flooding. Notably, Marshall County recorded 15.86 inches of rainfall over a span of five days, marking it as the highest recorded amount during this weather event. Other counties also reported significant rainfall amounts; for instance, Graves County experienced 13.65 inches, while Muhlenberg County saw 12.39 inches.
In Fayette County, the region is on track for one of its wettest starts to April on record, with two weather stations reporting totals of 7.72 inches and 7.86 inches. Continued rainfall in Lexington could result in April 2025 being amongst the wettest months historically documented for the area.
Critical River Levels
The Kentucky River at Frankfort is nearing its record crest of 48.5 feet, currently registering at 48.27 feet, making it the second-highest acknowledged crest on record. This alarming rise in river levels contributes to the widespread concerns about flooding and the safety of residents living near waterways.
Conclusion
The combination of imminent tornado threats alongside extreme flash flooding creates an unusual and dangerous weather scenario for Kentuckians. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared as the state braces for severe weather in the coming days. Staying informed and taking necessary safety precautions will be essential in navigating this hazardous situation.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Severe Weather Update
- The Weather Channel: Lexington, KY Weather
- Fox 56 News: Need for Shelters Amid Severe Weather
- Kentucky.com: Weather Conditions in Kentucky
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
