PADUCAH — The National Weather Service of Paducah is urging caution this weekend in light of heavy rain, which is increasing the possibility of flash flooding in the region.
Barricades set up near Paducah flood wall on Friday. Justin Gibbs with the National Weather Service in Paducah noted the river isn’t the biggest concern for flash flooding this weekend — it’s roadways.
Flash flooding can happen within minutes and can last for hours. Justin Gibbs with the NWS said local roads and highways will be the most impacted. However, residential areas need to be prepared too with an evacuation plan ready.
“We always say, turn around, don’t drown,” Gibbs said on Monday about driving down a road where flooding is apparent. Water can spill over onto roadways with as much as seven inches of rain and it only takes six inches to sweep your car away — even if the water isn’t moving.
Gibbs noted that flash flooding can even wash away sections of roads, so never try to drive down a road that seems to be flooded. He said this is how most fatalities happen when severe weather causes flooding.
“In just about any flash flood event that somebody will get stuck, the fire department will have to go out and try to pull them out,” Gibbs said. “So, in the best-case scenario, you’ve ruined your vehicle. In the worst-case scenario, you put your life in danger and those that are trying to rescue you. So very important to take it seriously and to be careful, to maybe limit travel.”
Justin Gibbs
Gibbs encouraged people to have an escape route ready for those people in residential areas, most times when flash flooding occurs people will get stuck inside their homes. Gibbs notes when floods occur, first be alert and if impacted, reach the highest point of your home. Do not seek refuge in your attic as you could become entrapped, which increases the risk of fatality.
“Your safety is usually in pretty good shape in a home or a business,” Gibbs said. “But, if it’s not, or if you think, hey, the water is rising and we need to get out of here, trust your gut.
Rushing water could make it hard to open doors or windows. If the water is too strong, it could cause drywall to wither and destroy home foundations. Mayfield residents were impacted by flash floods in 2023. Gibbs noted that if you do get caught in a flood, stay calm, find an escape route, and follow all directions of rescue personnel.
Regarding the Ohio River, Gibbs noted that the river will not exceed 40 feet; the flood stage is 39 feet. In 2019, the river flooded reaching a maximum height of 52 feet. While it was too early Friday to tell how much of an impact the rain will have on the river, Gibbs said the impact will be minimal.
The Ohio River water levels are higher than usual on Friday, Feb. 14. The river is expected to reach a max height of 40 feet — the river was 39 feet around noon on Friday.
“At least at Paducah, the Ohio River is going to come close to flood stage and possibly exceed it,” Gibbs said. “Further upstream, we may see some more extensive flooding. And we’ve got models that are kind of examining that.”