National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Atmospheric River in the West; Strong Winds in the Northeast

A strong atmospheric river will continue moderate to heavy rainfall with possible flooding, gusty to high winds, and mountain snows for parts of the Northwest U.S. today into Thursday. Additional impacts are likely into Friday with a cold front. A fast-moving storm system will cross the Northeast U.S. today into Thursday with gusty to high winds and areas of rain and high elevation snow showers. Read More >

Overview

A slow moving low pressure system, in combination with the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Gordon, and abundant moisture brought a long duration heavy rainfall event to much of the Bluegrass region of eastern Kentucky. Southwesterly low level winds ahead of a very slow moving cold front ushered rich moisture into eastern Kentucky, which when combined with the available lift, resulted in copious amounts of rainfall. This, in combination with several inches of rain the past couple of days, led to widespread flooding and flash flooding.

 

 

Bath, Montgomery, and Menifee Counties all saw significant impacts. This includes 50-70 homes and 20-25 businesses, one of which was a school in Menifee County, being inundated with water. Numerous roads were damaged as culverts were washed out, forcing schools to close the following day. Disaster declarations were made for Montgomery and Menifee Counties while nearly a dozen water rescues were performed. Additionally, an eight year old boy was swept into a culvert in Morehead.

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Significant flash flooding leading to a culvert on Dog Trot Road being completely washed out west of Frenchburg. Courtesy of Bill Helton.