While citizens residing in states such as Texas, California and Arizona suffer a sweltering heat wave, others living in states such as Kentucky are suffering the consequences of heavy rains. Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency due to severe flooding across much of the state.
Strong thunderstorms and heavy rain caused significant flooding in southwestern Kentucky early Wednesday, prompting the authorities in one county to scramble to rescue residents from rising waters. https://t.co/cSInu0rc0S pic.twitter.com/whZzZv2DLd
— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 19, 2023
"The town of Mayfield, which has already been through too much, has had significant rain and likely significant damage. For all the communities that have been impacted, I am now signing a state of emergency," Beshear said in a video posted on Twitter. "I have declared a state of emergency to help communities like Mayfield and others affected by widespread flooding. This action will allow us to better support our fellow Kentuckians during this difficult time. More rain is expected today – please stay alert and safe."
I have declared a state of emergency to help communities like Mayfield and others affected by widespread flooding. This action will allow us to better support our fellow Kentuckians during this difficult time. More rain is expected today – please stay alert and safe. pic.twitter.com/x0Br9RjB0l
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) July 19, 2023
"Please pray for Mayfield and areas of Western Kentucky impacted by significant flooding from last night's storms," the governor said in another release. "We're working to assess the damage and respond. Just like every challenge we've faced, we will be there for all those affected. We will get through this together."
Please pray for Mayfield and areas of Western Kentucky impacted by significant flooding from last night's storms. We're working to assess the damage and respond. Just like every challenge we've faced, we will be there for all those affected. We will get through this together. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) July 19, 2023
Specifically, the city of Mayfield and Graves County recorded rainfall of 11.28 inches, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported on Twitter. As the hours went by, the rains became less intense.
A preliminary 24 hour rainfall record for the state of Kentucky has been broken this morning with the 11.28" amount in Graves County. An incredible amount of water in a very short duration unfortunately. pic.twitter.com/UNk94kO86v
— NWS Paducah, KY (@NWSPaducah) July 19, 2023
The NWS forecasts that precipitation will cease in Kentucky on Saturday but will tentatively return on Sunday. "Another round of showers and storms are expected today, some may be strong and produce very heavy rainfall. A brief break in the rainfall and slightly lower humidity can be expected into at least the first half of the weekend."
Another round of showers and storms are expected today, some may be strong and produce very heavy rainfall. A brief break in the rainfall and slightly lower humidity can be expected into at least the first half of the weekend. pic.twitter.com/i2Jm0XHsUa
— NWS Paducah, KY (@NWSPaducah) July 20, 2023
