Lexington under flash flooding warning after continued rain downpour
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- The National Weather Service placed Fayette County under a flash flood warning Tuesday.
- Kentucky Mesonet recorded 2.27 inches at northern Lexington and 1.36 inches south.
- Flash flood warning issued at 10:52 a.m. is scheduled to expire at 3:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service has placed Fayette County under a flash flood warning after heavy rain showers soaked Lexington Tuesday morning.
About 2 to 3 inches of rain fell in Fayette County between 9:10 a.m. and 12:10 p.m., according to the Kentucky Mesonet. The mesonet’s northern Lexington station received 3.1 inches of rain during that span, while the southern Lexington station received 1.21 inches.
The flash flood warning was issued at 10:52 a.m. and is scheduled to expire at 3:45 p.m. The NWS said 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches of rain have already fallen in Fayette County, and up to 2 more inches are possible.
The NWS said it expects Northland, Chevy Chase, Thoroughbred Acres, Cadentown, UK Arboretum, Bryan Station, Highlands, Meadowthorpe and Cardinal Hill to experience flash flooding.
Between 6 a.m. and noon, the Lexington Police Department responded to 23 collisions, eight of which involved injuries, nine reports of motorists needing assistance and 18 reports of traffic hazards, according to Lt. Nick Whitcomb. There were several traffic-incidents on the interstate, but none caused major road closures.
The rain started Tuesday morning in Central Kentucky and is expected to continue for much of the day Tuesday into Wednesday morning. Total rainfall is expected to range from 1 to more than 3 inches in some parts of Kentucky.
Areas to the southwest of Louisville and Central Kentucky, including Lexington, are under a flood watch until at least Wednesday morning, according to the NWS. Along with Fayette County, Floyd, Hardin, Harrison, Jefferson, Larue, Marion, Taylor and Washington counties are also under a flash flood warning.
The NWS said areas of Central Kentucky between Interstate 64 and the Cumberland Parkway are most at risk of flooding. Creeks, streams and other low-lying areas could flood, along with low-water roads.
The rain is expected to stop Wednesday afternoon before returning Friday.
