Strong thunderstorms and heavy rain prompted important flooding in southwestern Kentucky early Wednesday, prompting the authorities in a single county to scramble to rescue residents from rising waters.
“Major flooding like many have never seen is occurring” in Graves County, alongside Kentucky’s border with Tennessee, the sheriff’s workplace mentioned, including {that a} flash flood emergency was in impact.
The National Weather Service described the scene as a “particularly dangerous situation.”
There have been no fast studies of deaths or accidents. However, about six water rescues have been accomplished, mentioned Sheriff Jon Hayden of Graves County.
At least one shelter was opened for displaced residents.
A flash flood warning was additionally issued for components of western Kentucky, together with Carlisle County and northeastern Hickman County till the afternoon, the Weather Service mentioned.
Video and images of the flood injury in Mayfield, the seat of Graves County, confirmed submerged autos in neighborhoods and speeding water assembly the steps and entrance doorways of properties.
Severe climate started sweeping throughout southwestern Kentucky round midnight, mentioned Keith Cooley, a meteorologist with the Weather Service in Paducah.
“We actually have several reports of heavy rainfall coming through there,” he mentioned. “We’ve had some severe weather reports, too, with some hail and damaging winds overnight.”
Mr. Cooley mentioned 4 to seven inches of rain had fallen in Graves County, “and most of that fell between midnight and about 4 in the morning.”
At least one other two to 3 inches of rain was anticipated to fall by the morning. “It’s just going to kind of exacerbate the flooding that’s ongoing right now,” he mentioned.
Areas in far west Kentucky may find yourself with eight to 10, or extra, inches of rain.
Mayfield has seen devastation earlier than. In December 2021, a twister swept by the town, killing a number of folks at a candle manufacturing unit and destroying outlets and houses that had stood for no less than 100 years.
Source: www.nytimes.com