Heavy rain brought major flash flooding to Christian and Todd counties Sunday morning and both school systems are closed Monday.
Christian County School System Superintendent Chris Bentzel issued a statement, saying the county and city have several roads that are impassable due to high water and the district will be utilizing non-traditional instruction. There will also be no school feeding sites today.
A rising Little River approached the duplexes along Old Clarksville Pike Sunday night and residents of one unit agreed to evacuate, according to Emergency Management Director Randy Graham. There were also numerous road and street closures in Christian County, with all four lanes of Fort Campbell Boulevard reopening at the Masonville overpass as of about 7:50 a.m.
Several vehicles stalled in floodwaters in Hopkinsville Sunday, including at Ninth Street and the railroad crossing. Hopkinsville police say their officers and firefighters were able to help all of the motorists safely make it to dry ground.
The Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department reported several roads and streets that flooded and water got up to several homes.
Floodwater got into at least two homes on Water Street in Elkton and was threatening to get into two more, according to Todd County Emergency Management Director Daniel Smith, who said water also got under two trailers in Belew’s Mobile Home Park on East Main Street. All of those homes were evacuated and all of the residents remained safe.
Dozens of roads and streets in Todd County were closed by high water and a few remain blocked this morning, with motorists urged to be on the lookout for standing water and to turn around, don’t drown.
Todd County Schools are also closed Monday due to flooding and it will be a non-traditional instruction day.
The National Weather Service in Paducah reported major flooding in Murray, where water got into homes and businesses.
There were no immediate reports of injuries in the area.
A Tornado Watch issued Sunday afternoon was canceled only a couple hours later after western Kentucky avoided the worst of the severe thunderstorms that hit Tennessee.
See thread below:
More photos of flooding in Elkton provided by Marla Gillespie. Elkton PD says residents of two mobile homes in Belew’s Mobile Home Park were evacuated, as water has gotten under those trailers. @NWSPaducah pic.twitter.com/YO0L5rngjX
— WHOP AM/FM (@WHOPradio) February 28, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/whopradio/posts/4062676427099653
https://www.facebook.com/whopradio/posts/4062678023766160
See thread below for updates:
From NWS in Paducah: …Forecast flooding changed from Minor to Major severity and increased in duration for the following rivers in Kentucky… South Fork Little River at Hopkinsville -68/80 affecting Trigg and Christian Counties. .Water levels continue to rise rapid on the Little River at Hopkinsville – 68/80. The river is now forecast to rise into major flood stage early this afternoon. Do not drive into a flooded road!. For the Little River…including Hopkinsville – 68/80…Major flooding is forecast. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
https://www.facebook.com/whopradio/posts/4062700763763886
https://www.facebook.com/christiancountyema/posts/2838554836432138
Flash flooding reported at numerous locations in Hopkinsville. This vehicle stalled trying to cross high water at 9th and railroad. HPD says at least three cars have stalled in high water in the city. HPD and HFD have been able to get all of the motorists to safety. @NWSPaducah pic.twitter.com/OyQmoDQicU
— WHOP AM/FM (@WHOPradio) February 28, 2021
Little River at Fort Campbell Boulevard in Hopkinsville. Photos provided. pic.twitter.com/lpSgZjwn6K
— WHOP AM/FM (@WHOPradio) February 28, 2021
Little River out of its banks at Little River Church of Christ along US 68 east of Hopkinsville. Little River Church Road is closed. Photos provided by CCEM. @NWSPaducah pic.twitter.com/IRCOKE4OpZ
— WHOP AM/FM (@WHOPradio) February 28, 2021
Todd County Sheriff’s Sgt. Patrick Turner reports high water over many roads, even ones that do not normally flood. He advises motorists to use extreme caution if they must get out and to never try to drive through standing water. @NWSPaducah pic.twitter.com/IFXhzadopl
— WHOP AM/FM (@WHOPradio) February 28, 2021
Pictured below puts into perspective the amount of water that many residents are dealing with. Below is a Fire Hydrant (Approximately 30” tall) and only the top portion is above water. Use extreme caution if your utilities are in the basement & it’s flooded. pic.twitter.com/qf5MgzleZz
— Pembroke Fire Department (@FirePembroke) February 28, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/PembrokeFire/posts/2872050686449456
Elk Fork Creek at North Main Street in Elkton and more photos of flash flooding in Elkton. Provided by Todd EM. pic.twitter.com/Zs3oLf8ckh
— WHOP AM/FM (@WHOPradio) February 28, 2021
Tress Shop Rd/KY 475 in Todd County impassable due to flash flooding in the 1300 block. Photo from Perry Knight. @NWSPaducah pic.twitter.com/O9w42MvOfQ
— WHOP AM/FM (@WHOPradio) February 28, 2021
[9:05 AM Sunday, Feb. 28] Dangerous, life-threatening flash flooding is occurring in the Murray area. Major highways are flooded, including Highway 80 and US 641. Water is entering homes and business. Seek higher ground now and do not drive into a flooded road! pic.twitter.com/xoYy2BCvBZ
— NWS Paducah, KY (@NWSPaducah) February 28, 2021