PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (KY) Moderate to major flooding in Kentucky continues

Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2021 14:29:00 EST

Summary: Moderate to major flooding in Kentucky continues.

Moderate to major flooding (National Weather Service criteria) continues in eastern and central Kentucky. The primary river basins affected are the Kentucky River, the Red River and the Licking River.

It is estimated that some sites are at the the 50-year to 100-year flood event. The Governor of Kentucky has declared a State of Emergency for 13 Kentucky counties. Additionally, the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the Kentucky National Guard had been activated to aid local first responders in their efforts. USGS crews made the third highest measurement ever on the Kentucky River at Heidelberg, and the fourth highest measurement at Kentucky River near Camp Nelson.

Two USGS river sites on the Kentucky River are out of commission due to the flooding and high water.

Currently 6 USGS crews (12 people) from the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center are measuring high flows. The primary focus today will be on the Kentucky River and the Red River.

USGS has been in contact with numerous State agencies in Kentucky and the National Weather Service through NWSChat.