News Summary
Kentucky is facing hazardous weather as severe thunderstorms and historic flooding are reported across the state. Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency due to significant rainfall causing evacuations and water rescues. With scattered thunderstorms expected into the evening, safety measures are being implemented, including curfews in affected neighborhoods. The National Weather Service warns of damaging wind gusts and hail, while local businesses prepare for disruptions as recovery efforts are hampered by ongoing storms.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Severe thunderstorms and historical flooding are affecting Kentucky as the National Weather Service warns of hazardous weather conditions across the state. Forecasts predict scattered showers and thunderstorms through the evening, with gusty winds and the potential for damaging hail and flash flooding.
The high temperature for today is expected to reach 89°F, with south-west winds at 5 to 10 mph. A 40% chance of rain is predicted throughout the day, increasing to 50% after midnight as scattered thunderstorms develop, bringing a low temperature of 71°F.
In response to the weather conditions, local officials, including Governor Andy Beshear, have declared a state of emergency due to the significant rainfall leading to flooding across various communities. Numerous evacuations and water rescues are ongoing in severely affected areas, while Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson has enforced a curfew in flood-affected neighborhoods to ensure resident safety as floodwaters rise.
The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings for Herkimer County and advises that forecasted thunderstorms could produce wind gusts of up to 40 mph and penny-sized hail. Areas such as Frankfort and Elizabethtown are notably impacted, and the possibility of road closures due to flooding and mudslides poses additional risks. Communities across the Midwest and South have reported storm-related fatalities and substantial flooding issues this week, with at least 25 lives lost as a result of extreme weather events.
As Kentucky braces for severe weather, there are concerns that recovery efforts may be hindered by the ongoing storms. A confirmed EF-0 tornado briefly touched down near Frankford, Kentucky causing minimal damage but no injuries were reported. The weather service continues to monitor conditions closely, advising residents to seek shelter indoors during storms, given that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur annually in the U.S., resulting in an average of 20 fatalities each year.
In a separate yet notable development, political tensions have surfaced amid the intensifying weather events. During a legislative committee meeting, Rep. Shane Baker, a Republican from Somerset, raised questions regarding a controversial Gender and Women’s Studies course set to be offered by the University of Kentucky in the fall semester of 2025. The course description references the 14th Amendment and addresses social movements such as Black Lives Matter, drawing criticism and concern from certain lawmakers.
As the storms continue, the weather outlook includes a potential return of scattered thunderstorms early next week, with temperatures expected to remain in the upper 80s and low 90s. The current conditions are particularly distressing for local businesses, including the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, which has announced a temporary closure as floodwaters encircle the facility.
Residents are urged to remain informed and prepared as hazardous weather approaches. Staying indoors during storms, avoiding flooded areas, and participating in community emergency response protocols can all help ensure safety during these tumultuous times.
As communities throughout Kentucky and neighboring regions grapple with severe weather, the situation remains fluid, with updates on recovery and safety efforts continuing to evolve as the week progresses.
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Additional Resources
- SI Live: NY Weather Thunderstorms
- Wikipedia: Severe Thunderstorm
- Coast TV: Cold Front to Bring Thunderstorms
- Google Search: Thunderstorms Kentucky
- Axios: Storm Photos South Midwest Flooding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Up North Live: Severe Thunderstorms Possible
- Google News: Severe Weather Alerts
