This weekend will likely consist of heavy rain, strong winds and probable flash flooding throughout Daviess County.
The Daviess County Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) held a conference call Tuesday with National Weather Service (NWS) of Paducah, and meteorologists predicted 40 mph wind gusts and 2-4 inches of rain over a two-day period.
NWS Paducah’s Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Shanklin said high wind gusts will begin Thursday and become stronger into the latter part of the day, reaching the mid-30s. Sustained winds will be slightly less strong, but gusts could bring down trees and power lines, Shanklin warned.
The strongest wind gusts are expected to top out at 40 mph Saturday afternoon.
Daviess County is also expected to receive a lot of rain, with chances of flash flooding and river cresting. The rain is expected to start Thursday and continue into Saturday night, with the heaviest downfall beginning Friday night.
Shanklin said it’s possible Daviess County could experience hail, tornadoes and thunderstorms over the weekend.
DCEMA Director Andy Ball said rivers will rise due to heavy rain all across the region.
“Two to four inches is a lot of rain, especially in this short period of time,” he said. “The Green River and Panther Creek are already elevated. Ground saturation will play a lot into it.”
Temperatures will be higher than normal Friday and Saturday, ranging between the mid-50s and 60s, dropping back into the normal range on Sunday.
NWS Paducah said the forecast outside of this weekend also, as heavy rainfall is currently predicted to affect Daviess County Jan. 13, 14, 16, 17, 21 and 22. That would cause elongated high water elevation levels for the Ohio River and other area streamways.
To prepare for this heavy rainfall, DCEMA asks that all residents ensure their storm drains are free from leaves/debris, move items to higher ground/floors for those in poorly drained/low-lying areas and be prepared to take alternate routes while driving.
“Be especially cautious when traveling at night, as workers may not have had time to barricade flood roads,” Ball said. “Reduce speeds and allow more distance between cars during heavy rain. Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated.”
An announcement will be made Friday as to whether Judge-Executive Al Mattingly approves sandbag operations for this weekend’s weather.
