The National Weather Service in Jackson, Kentucky, issued a Flood Watch at 3:50 a.m. EDT on September 12, warning that flash flooding from excessive rainfall remains possible across portions of east central, northeast, and southeast Kentucky. The watch covers Elliott, Fleming, Rowan, Johnson, Martin, Floyd, Magoffin, Morgan, and Pike counties and is in effect from noon EDT today through late tonight, according to the agency.
KEY FACTS
- The Flood Watch is in effect from noon EDT on September 12 until 1:00 a.m. EDT on September 13.
- Counties included are Elliott, Fleming, Rowan, Johnson, Martin, Floyd, Magoffin, Morgan, and Pike.
- The NWS says multiple rounds of heavy showers and thunderstorms will impact the watch area this afternoon and into the first part of tonight.
- Excessive runoff may cause flooding of creeks, streams, and other low lying and flood prone locations.
CONTEXT
A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding but it is not certain to occur. The NWS issued the watch because repeated heavy rain could overwhelm local drainage and cause water to rise quickly in creeks, streams, and low lying areas. The agency notes that multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected, which increases the risk of excessive runoff. The watch covers a broad section of eastern Kentucky, from Rowan and Fleming counties in the north to Pike County in the southeast. The NWS provides safety information at weather.gov/safety/flood. The watch is based on forecast rainfall, not on observed flooding, and conditions can change. Residents in the watch area should monitor later updates from the NWS for changes in timing, location, or severity.
WHY IT MATTERS
Flash flooding can develop rapidly and affect roads, homes, and businesses in low lying areas. Because the watch covers a wide region and multiple rounds of storms are expected, people in the affected counties may need to adjust travel or outdoor plans and be ready to move to higher ground if warnings are issued. The watch is not a warning, but it signals that the potential for dangerous flooding exists.
WHAT TO WATCH
- Whether the NWS upgrades the Flood Watch to a Flash Flood Warning for any counties.
- Updates to the watch area, timing, or expiration as the storms develop.
- Local reports of rainfall amounts and any observed flooding in creeks or streams.
- Any additional watches or warnings issued for neighboring areas.