A storm dumping torrential rain caused severe flooding in parts of Kentucky and Tennessee yesterday, 07 July, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency in both states.
Several locations recorded more than 5 inches (127 mm) of rain in a few hours, more than the amount normally seen for the whole of July. Emergency officials in Kentucky say that some areas of Western Kentucky saw as much as 15 inches (380 mm) of rain in just a few hours, more than 3 times the July average.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency declared the state of emergency early on Thursday 07 July, 2016. Dozens of homes and buildings, as well as roads and bridges, have been severely damaged in Robertson, Stewart and Sumner counties and emergency teams were required to carry out several flood rescues. Cheatham, Davidson, Macon, Montgomery and Trousdale counties have also been affected.
The Nashville Area and Tennessee River chapters of the Red Cross have opened shelters for those seeking shelter due to the flooding and storm damage.
Power outages were also reported in Nashville and areas of northern and Middle Tennessee.
Kentucky
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin declared a statewide emergency on 07 July, 2016, after flooding hit western parts of the state. The declaration will provide local officials immediate access to state resources for public safety and assistance.
Flooding has affected the counties of Christian, Trigg and Todd, promoting some evacuations.
“As always, our primary concern is safety,” said Governor Bevin. “This declared state of emergency gives emergency management the resources they need to proactively respond to local needs. We thank all of the officials working hard to minimize the impact of this storm system. We urge all citizens to take the necessary precautions needed to stay safe.”
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and the Joint Information Center (JIC) remain activated to monitor the situation and coordinate the response for this weather event.
“We are experiencing severe weather impacts from a stagnant storm system that continues to generate significant rainfall, tornadoes and straight line winds, causing fluctuating power outages and damage to local roadways across the Commonwealth,” said Michael Dossett, Director of Kentucky Emergency Management, in the statement issued by the Governor’s office.
“Some areas of Western Kentucky have seen rainfall totals of more than 15 inches in a short period of time, creating hardships in the most severely impacted areas.”
“This event is happening in conjunction with high temperatures across the Commonwealth, creating further concern for local first responders who are assisting displaced residents. We are reminding all citizens to be mindful of severe weather notifications through local, state and National Weather Service channels, being prepared to take immediate action if directed to do so.”
Rainfall
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, the torrential rain began to fall south of Paducah and then moved south east.
Unofficial 24 hour rainfall totals (below) from 07:00 on 06 July to 07:00 on 07 July, 2016, show that at least 7 locations received more than 5 inches (127 mm) of rain. More rain fell during the day of 07 July. The average monthly rainfall for July in the Paducah area is 4.44 inches (112 mm).
- Calvery City – 7.01 inches (178 mm)
- Little River – 6.38 (162 mm)
- Allegre – 6.03 (153 mm)
- Kentucky Lake – 5.57 (141 mm)
- Providence – 5.50 (139 mm)
- Grand Rivers – 5.37 (136 mm)
- Cadiz – 5.15 (130 mm)
However, doppler radar estimates show figures to be as higher than 12 inches (300 mm) in some areas.
In Tennessee, areas of northern Middle Tennessee were the worst hit, with at least 4 locations reporting more that 5 inches in 24 hours. Dover in Stewart County, recorded the highest amount in the state, with 6.67 inches (169 mm) of rain falling in 24 hours.
