Severe Flooding Strikes Southern Kentucky, Prompting Road Closures and Warnings

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) – South Central Kentucky is grappling with severe flooding following heavy rainfall this week, resulting in numerous road closures across the region. As of 8 a.m. Friday, several major highways remained impassable due to high water, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

In an area affected include Interstate 165 and multiple roads in Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, and Warren counties. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet urged drivers to obey road signs and avoid flooded roads, reminding the public of the adage: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Crews have been actively monitoring and addressing road conditions, as additional closures and high-water reports may emerge. Authorities have requested residents to report any flooded roads that might not be listed, allowing for better response and communication across the community.

Meanwhile, in Miami Valley, the region is also experiencing closures due to high water. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch that lasts until Sunday morning, warning that more rain could exacerbate the situation. According to Storm Center 7 Weather Specialist Nick Dunn, consistent rain is anticipated throughout the weekend.

One notable closure involved a road in Montgomery County, while Greene County also reported two closed roads due to flooding. Early Friday, the intersection of E. Martindale and River Roads was blocked off, affecting commuters on both the Union and Butler Township sides. At this location, high water signs have been posted.

In Northern Kentucky, an early-morning landslide on Mary Ingles Highway has shut down the roadway for the second time in six years, as reported by meteorologist Adam Burniston. The authorities confirmed that this stretch of highway, which experienced similar closures in previous years due to landslides, is vital for local traffic. Experts from KYTC suggested that the earlier maintenance work on the highway mitigated potential damage from this latest incident.

“Today’s mudslide was about a 60-foot section of land that slid down,” said Jake Ryle, a spokesperson for KYTC. “It could have been much worse had the maintenance project not been in place.”

People in these impacted areas have been asked to stay vigilant as further landslides and flooding may occur. The KYTC is proactively monitoring multiple locations where issues are likely to arise with the anticipated rainfall.

The flooding is part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of Kentucky and surrounding states. In a recently issued alert, flood warnings extended to various rivers within the region, where significant rises are expected. National Weather Service data indicates that rainfall totals could exceed one foot in some areas, leading to a dangerous environment for residents.

As part of the ongoing response, local municipalities are coordinating with agencies to provide updates regarding road conditions and potential safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians. Residents are also encouraged to document and share storm-related photos to help inform the public of the ongoing situation.