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Record Temperatures Expected Across the Southern US; Fire Weather Concerns in the Central US

Unseasonably warm temperatures continue today across the southern U.S., with more than 100 record or near record maximum temperatures forecast through the rest of the week and over the weekend. Dry and gusty winds will produce elevated to critical fire weather in the central and southern Plains and elevated conditions over portions of the Desert Southwest on Friday. Read More >

Overview

An area of low pressure moving across the Tennessee Valley brought an area of persistent light to moderate rain into southeastern Kentucky, beginning this Sunday morning April 23rd and lasting into the overnight hours. This round of rain fell on top of what had fallen the previous several days, thus leading to numerous instances of flooding.

Rivers and streams began to rise through the day as widespread four day rainfall amounts of 4-5 inches fell near the Virginia and Tennessee state lines, with three day amounts of 3-4 inches common. Several roads were closed due to high water, while multiple points along the Cumberland River experienced minor flooding for the next couple of days. One man was rescued 30 yards downstream along the Cumberland River near Williamsburg, where moderate flooding occurred, as he was pulled into the high waters. Minor flooding was also reported on the Kentucky River at Ravenna and Hazard, while several points along the Kentucky and Big Sandy Rivers breached action stage.

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Cumberland Falls following the weekend's rains. Courtesy WYMT.
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A shelf cloud approaching London. Courtesy Johnnie Nicholson.

 

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Water over Tackett Creek Road south of Williamsburg. Courtesy WKYT. Flooding in Harlan County. Courtesy Jennifer. Archer Park in Prestonsburg. Courtesy Allen Bolling.
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Mudslide on Highway 1344 near Calvin in Bell County. Courtesy local emergency management. Flooding on Highway 15 from Smoot Creek near Dry Fork in Letcher County. Courtesy WYMT. Highway 699 in Cutshin in Leslie County. Courtesy WYMT.
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