USA – Floods and Landslides in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia

Heavy rain, flooding and landslides have affected areas of Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee, USA, since 10 February 2018.

Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) said on 11 February that it had activated its State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in support of flooding conditions in southeastern counties.

Harlan, Bell, Knox, Letcher and Floyd counties and the city of Pineville all suffered flooding conditions and later declared states of emergencies. A mudslide was reported in Letcher County.

There were numerous road closures across southeastern Kentucky. KYEM said that up to 4.5 inches (114.3 mm) of rainfall was recorded in these areas over the last few days.

According to Associated Press (AP), 100 people were evacuate in Harlan County after 5 inches (127 mm) of rain fell in the area.

KYEM warned that larger river flooding could continue into the upcoming week, especially for portions of the Kentucky and Cumberland River basins.
Heavy rain also affected areas of Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee, where only minor surface flooding was reported on roads in Middle Tennessee.

In West Virginia, heavy rain has caused several mud and rock slides along US-52 in McDowell County.

In Virginia, the rain caused flooding, mudslides and a partial dam break on Sunday in in Wise County. Seventeen homes were evacuated as a result of the dam break and 75 homes in total were evacuated across the county.

Flooding and landslides in Lee County caused several road closures, including a stretch of Highway 421 in the Stone Creek area, according to AP.

NWS Blacksburg said Bedford saw a record 3.10 inches (78.74 mm) of rain in 24 hours on 11 February. North Wilksboro recorded 2.87 inches (72.90 mm) during the same period.

Social Media

Over the past 5-days, portions of southeastern Kentucky have picked up more than 4" of rain. Our station in Harlan County (BMTN) has picked up 6.35”. The station in Knox County (BMBL) has reported 4.97", and some area rivers are at moderate flood stage. #kywx #kymesonet pic.twitter.com/B7y6RsDDhH

— Kentucky Mesonet (@kymesonet) February 12, 2018

Two day rainfall through Sunday morning, a rainy weekend. #lmkwx #kywx #inwx pic.twitter.com/IwaG7ifeT9

— NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) February 11, 2018

Did you know – a mere 6 in of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 in of water to carry away a small car, while 2 ft of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. Never enter into or cross water flooded roads. TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN! pic.twitter.com/UsVaNESyL1

— KYEM (@KentuckyEM) February 11, 2018

This looks to be along the Watauga/Wilkes County Stretch of the BRP.

RT @BlueRidgeNPS: Check online map before you go: https://t.co/28UDXOSNNH

Photo of rock slide at MP277; expect closure in this area. More information as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/NLb7KtYizI

— NWS Blacksburg (@NWSBlacksburg) February 12, 2018

The 24-hour rain ending yesterday morning (7 am, Feb. 11, 2018) was the wettest February day on record at several long-term COOP weather stations! pic.twitter.com/BYZ7HFVca0

— NWS Blacksburg (@NWSBlacksburg) February 12, 2018