With the forecast of a significant severe weather event on Wednesday and a potentially historic amount of rain beginning Wednesday and continuing until Sunday, please make sure you are prepared.
The National Weather Service Paducah Office has high confidence that our local region will receive a prolonged period of heavy rainfall from Wednesday through Saturday night with a total of 10 to 12 inches of rain likely over most of the region. This rain event will be kicked off with a potentially severe weather outbreak Wednesday into Thursday with all several weather threats possible.
In addition to the severe weather threat, this excessive amount of rain will cause flooding in areas that do not normally flood. To help the flow of storm water, we ask residents to make sure that storm inlets and ditches on or adjacent to their property are free of debris. Also, for those who have pipes under their driveway, please clean any visible clogs so that storm water can flow freely and hopefully not spill onto the roadway.
In the National Weather Service Paducah Office’s Area Forecast Discussion issued this afternoon, the following was stated, “We cannot overstate the extremity of the flooding danger with this event incoming and these historic forecast rainfall amounts, so prepare an action plan now for seeking high ground and securing your safety for not if, but when, flood waters rise.”
The City of Paducah Public Works Department is preparing for the upcoming rain event with crews out collecting brush and yard debris and cleaning out catch basins and storm inlets in problem areas. Crews also are preparing equipment including chain saws in the case of fallen trees.
Please note that depending upon the severity of this weather event, city services may be disrupted including solid waste collection and access to the compost facility and parks.
Flood safety reminders:
- Do not drive through flood waters. Turn around. Don’t drown.
- Six inches of moving water can knock down a person. One foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
Stay up-to-date on the weather conditions by tuning in to your favorite media outlet, and have a family communication plan which includes the safe places to go in the case of severe weather. Plus, make sure to stock an emergency supply kit and secure any belongings that are outdoors.
National Weather Service Paducah Office
FEMA Flood Preparedness Information
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