Widespread flooding in eastern Kentucky is expected to continue through Monday after heavy rain Saturday moved through the region.
The National Weather Service says river levels across the region were already high after a round of precipitation early last week.
Meteorologist Alex Vorst says last weekend’s rain worsened the situation.
“We throw anywhere from four to five, six inches of rain on top of what was already high water issues anyway, and it just really culminated in widespread flooding and instances of flash flooding across Eastern Kentucky,” Vorst said.
The service reports the heaviest rainfall in Corbin, Monticello, Prestonsburg, Jackson, Beattyville and Booneville. Eastern Kentucky’s denser population centers like Hazard and Pikeville have also been affected.
Vorst says most precipitation has already passed through the region. Most of what’s remaining is expected to turn into snow as a cold front moves in.
“There is a winter weather advisory for a large portion of Eastern Kentucky. I believe that goes from Rockcastle over to Pike County is where this winter weather advisory exists,” Vorst said.
Vorst says to avoid driving through water in the meantime. He also recommends having a way to get weather alerts, either from a weather radio or a cell phone.
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