Another 6 to 12 inches of rain threatens flash flooding later this week

Sunday's storms will not be the only round of severe weather this week.

The National Weather Service in Paducah now has an eye on a system that has the potential to drop 6 to 12 inches of rain on western Kentucky later this week. Meteorologists say these numbers are the most they can remember seeing in our local forecast.

Beginning Wednesday, another major outbreak of severe storms is forecast through Wednesday night. The enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) will include the chance for all forms of severe weather; damaging winds, large hail and tornadoes.

The associated front is expected to become nearly stationary across the region from Thursday night through at least Saturday night. That would likely result in a very serious and dangerous flooding event for much of the Quad State.

Guidance shows a 90-100% chance of seeing greater than or equal to 4 inches of rain from Wednesday through Saturday, and up to a 60% chance of seeing greater than 8 inches of rain for the same time period.

Significant flash flooding will develop quickly in local ditches, creeks and streams, then flow into smaller rivers and eventually raise levels on the Green River, Little River and Ohio River.

Timing and placement can still fluctuate from now until then. The weather service will provide daily updates.


MAP: Possible rain totals from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday night.  (National Weather Service Paducah)