Hurricane Helene to bring strong winds, rain to Central Kentucky, affecting weekend events
The remnants of Hurricane Helene will impact Lexington and Central Kentucky with heavy rain, strong winds and possible flooding in the coming days, meteorologists say.
The Category 2 storm is strengthening as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico toward an early Friday morning landfall over Florida’s Big Bend Coast.
For the weekend forecast, the National Weather Service says Lexington and Central Kentucky can expect rainfall totaling 2-4 inches and winds between 30-40 mph.
There will be some rain Thursday in Central Kentucky, but the downpours will come Friday. The NWS says there is a chance of 1-2 inches of rain on Friday with 22 to 30 mph winds and gusts up to 45 mph.
WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey says there is a good possibility of flash flooding.
Several school districts canceled classes or moved them online Friday because of the storm, and the University of Louisville canceled classes and closed university offices.
The showers will continue on Saturday and Sunday. The forecast does not fully clear up until Wednesday, when the NWS says it will be sunny with a high temperature of 73.
Lexington events canceled by Hurricane Helene
The rain from Hurricane Helene has forced some local events to change plans. The annual Festival Latino De Lexington has canceled events Friday, Sept. 27 at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza. But the Saturday plans at the courthouse and the Health Fair at Masterson Station Park on Sept. 29 from 1-5 p.m. is still on.
This story was originally published September 26, 2024 at 7:50 AM.
