Major Flooding Expected in Days Ahead Across Central U.S.

The forecast of a massive flooding event is coming to fruition. Days ago, meteorologists began to warn of the threat of heavy rainfall and flooding gripping the central U.S. by the end of the week. Here is a look at where the situation stands now and what is expected heading into the weekend.

Flash Flooding Risk Elevated as Atmospheric River Unleashes

Friday dawned on another soggy note for the south-central U.S. and beyond. Rain and thunderstorms roamed the zone from Oklahoma and up through Arkansas, Missouri, and into Kentucky. Several flash flood warnings are in effect in Kentucky at this time. This state has seen 8 to 12 inches fall over the last two days.

The city of Bowling Green in the southern part of the state has recorded 9.96 inches of rain. This compares to the historical average of 6.27 inches for the entire month of April.

The influx of moisture will continue through at least Saturday. However, water levels in rivers and streams will continue to rise well into next week. Flooding is often a slow-moving event with the impacts not felt until well after the rain event ends.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear asked his residents to be alert about the possibility of extreme flooding through the weekend. The flooding threat is coming one day after tornadoes killed at least three people in the state. Beshear also delivered the sad news on Friday about the death of a child who was swept away by floodwaters in Frankfort, highlighting the danger of the ongoing situation.