Some parts of Kentucky could get 15+ inches of rain this week. Major flooding possible
Significant rain will likely bring major and potentially life-threatening flooding to Kentucky beginning late Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
A front is expected to move into Central Kentucky around 8 p.m. Wednesday, bringing with it heavy rainfall and potential for severe weather.
And the storm accompanying that front will stall and remain in place over Kentucky for several days, said meteorologist Tom Reaugh, pounding the state with several days of rain.
Rain is expected to finally subside by Sunday evening. In all, parts of far Western Kentucky could get more than 17 inches of rain by then. Lexington is projected to get 6 to 8 inches.
Several days of the storm have the potential for severe weather, including damaging winds and spin-up tornadoes, but the strongest chance for severe weather is Wednesday evening and early Thursday.
Severe flooding may accompany the rain.
There is a 30% chance of exceeding major flood stage along rivers in Central and Northern Kentucky. A major flood stage indicates significant disruptions to daily life and the possibility of extensive flooding of structures, main roadways and other buildings.
A flood watch is in effect for most of Kentucky from Wednesday evening through Sunday morning.
“If you live along a river or in an area that can experience river flooding, it is time to prepare now,” the NWS said in the area forecast discussion. “Rain will begin Wednesday, and multiple rounds will bring rain through Sunday.”
How the forecast compares to other major flooding
Kentucky most recently experienced severe flooding in February, when 2 to 6-plus inches of rain fell over two days. The NWS said at least a dozen rivers statewide recorded top five crests in the respective rivers’ recorded history, and all of Kentucky’s 120 counties reported flooding.
The flooding closed more than 300 roads, left more than 40,000 without power and resulted in more than 1,000 water rescues, according to the NWS. At least 12 people died from the floods.
Reaugh said it’s possible this week’s potential floods could be worse than what happened in February.
“I would say that this one would be on par with that one, possibly even worse in a few spots,” Reaugh said. “We are expecting quite a bit of rain Wednesday evening through Saturday.”
Another comparable flooding event is the March 1997 flood, which left 13.69 inches of rain in Louisville over six days, according to the NWS. More than 90 counties made disaster declarations, and 19 people died.
The January 1937 flood featured 10.31 inches of rain and forced 175,000 Louisville residents to flee, according to the NWS. The damage was assessed at $250 million, which is equivalent to over $3 billion in current today’s economy.
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 10:47 AM.
