Weekend flood threat increasing with a winter chill to follow

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Happy Thursday! Colder air has settled in behind a departing cold front, with afternoon highs struggling to get out of the low 30s across the region. While today remains mostly dry, damp roads from overnight rain could cause some slick spots for the morning commute. A brisk west-northwest wind at 20-25 mph will make it feel even colder. Skies will begin to clear later in the afternoon, allowing for a brief glimpse of sunshine before sunset. Overnight lows will plummet into the teens as winds ease and skies remain mostly clear.

Friday will be the calm before the storm, featuring a mix of sun and clouds with highs rebounding into the upper 30s to low 40s. Winds remain light as high pressure briefly builds in. By the evening, clouds will begin to increase ahead of a powerful storm system set to bring significant weather impacts over the weekend.

Major Flood Threat This Weekend

A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire ABC 36 viewing area from early Saturday through Sunday afternoon. A strong low-pressure system will pull deep Gulf moisture into the region, setting the stage for widespread heavy rain. Rain will begin late Friday night, becoming steady and heavy throughout Saturday. A persistent band of heavy rain could set up across southern and central Kentucky, dumping 2 to 4 inches of rain area-wide, with localized totals of 4 to 6 inches possible.

This much rain in a short period of time will likely lead to flash flooding, river flooding, and significant high water issues. The Weather Prediction Center has placed most of Kentucky under a Level 3 out of 4 “Moderate Risk” for excessive rainfall, meaning there is high confidence in flash flooding concerns. Low-lying and flood-prone areas, particularly near creeks and rivers, should make preparations now. River levels will continue rising into next week, with moderate to major river flooding possible along the Kentucky, Green, and Cumberland River basins.

Temperature Crash & Wintry Potential

A cold front will sweep through early Sunday, bringing an end to the heavy rain but ushering in sharply colder air. Afternoon highs will struggle to reach the upper 20s to low 30s, with gusty northwest winds making it feel even colder. Some light snow showers may mix in before precipitation tapers off entirely, though no significant accumulation is expected. However, with temperatures rapidly falling into the teens by Sunday night, any lingering wet roads could freeze, leading to icy spots and black ice concerns into Monday morning.

Next Week: More Winter Weather?

A reinforcing shot of cold air will keep temperatures below normal early next week, with highs mainly in the 30s. Another system may bring a chance for light accumulating snow late Tuesday night into Wednesday, though details remain uncertain.