A wet start to the weekend with some heavy rain expected
Flooding is possible given the saturated ground
A Wild Weather Weekend Ahead: Heavy Rain, Storms, and a Wintry Twist
A powerful storm system is set to impact the region this weekend, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and even a quick shot of snow before temperatures take a sharp dive. A Flood Watch remains in effect through Sunday afternoon for all of Central and Eastern Kentucky as widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected with flash flooding possible in addition to localized flooding concerns. Once the rain moves out, colder air surges in Sunday, bringing a brief chance for light snow before a much colder pattern settles in for early next week.
Valentine’s Day: The Calm Before the Storm
Friday was be pretty sweet but chilly with plenty of sunshine and highs in the upper 30s to near 40°. Winds were brisk out of the northeast making it feel a even colder as clouds increased late in the afternoon. Overnight, temperatures will fall into the mid-30s initially before slowly rising into the low 40s with moisture pushing in from the southwest ahead of Saturday’s soaking rain.
Saturday: Widespread Heavy Rain & Possible Thunderstorms
Saturday looks to be mainly a washout with rain overspreading the region in the morning and continuing through the entire day. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible, leading to an increased risk of flash flooding and localized flooding in low-lying areas. A few embedded thunderstorms could develop, enhancing rainfall rates and producing isolated gusty winds. A few of the storms could even be potentially strong just ahead of the front late Saturday evening. With the wet and dreary conditions, temperatures will be in the mid to upper 40s much of the daylight hours before surging into the mid to upper-50s just ahead of the frontal boundary late Saturday evening before colder air rushes in overnight.
Sunday: Big Changes—Rain to Snow & Strong Winds
The system will begin to exit Sunday morning, but not before a brief transition to light snow as colder air surges in. Accumulations are expected to be minimal as most moisture moves out quickly. The bigger story will be gusty winds over 30 mph making it feel much colder as temperatures fall throughout the day. Temperatures will be in the upper 30s early in the morning, then rapidly drop into the upper 20s by early evening with wind chills making it feel even colder. By Sunday night, temperatures will plummet into the teens, marking the coldest night we’ve seen in several weeks.
Next Week: Cold & A Better Chance for Light Snow
A much colder pattern takes over early next week, with highs struggling to get above freezing Monday and Tuesday, while overnight lows dip into the teens. The next storm system arrives by midweek, bringing a better chance for light snow accumulation compared to Sunday’s brief transition. This will be something to watch closely as models continue to fine-tune the details.
What You Need to Know:
- Flooding Concern: Widespread 2 to 4 inches of rain could lead to flash flooding and localized flooding through Saturday night.
- Strong Winds: Gusts over 30 mph Sunday will make it feel much colder as temperatures drop.
- Snow Chances: A low chance for light snow Sunday afternoon, but a better chance for light snow accumulation arrives midweek.
ABC 36 Storm Team 3-Day Forecast
Friday Night: Rain returns late, rising temperatures. Lows in the mid-30s early rising into the low-40s by daybreak
Saturday: Rain, heavy at times, storms possible late evening. Temperatures in the mid to upper 40s during the afternoon, rising into the mid to upper 50s by late evening.
Saturday Night: Breezy with rain ending, colder air returns. Temperatures falling into the upper 30s by daybreak.
Bottom line: Saturday will be a soaker with 2 to 4 inches of rain and a flash flooding risk. Winds pick up Sunday as colder air moves in with a brief chance for light snow as temperatures crash. A better chance for light snow accumulation arrives by midweek. Stay weather-aware and stay with the ABC 36 Storm Team for updates!
