Bowling Green Public Works preparing for heavy rains this week
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Bowling Green has faced many weather-related threats but none more dangerous than floods.
Flooding is the number one weather-related killer, which is why Bowling Green has built a unique drainage system. The drains scattered around Bowling Green drain directly into the karst system that south-central Kentucky is known for. However, the caves can become filled as we have seen in the past, most notably during the flooding of February of this year.
While the caves do their job taking in water and flowing it to the river, the process can take time resulting in water being unable to drain, and in some cases, flowing out of the drains themselves. And with the rain we are expected to see, flooding is the major concern for Bowling Green Public Works. The flooding could be worse than what south-central Kentucky experienced in February of this year due to the amount of water the ground is currently holding. This could create some unique problems for homeowners living in flood risk areas.
“The last storms that happened in February, we had several addresses that were completely cut off, and no one seemed to know about it because no one called. So please don’t don’t worry that you’re stressing out the emergency services. That’s what they’re there for. We want to make sure that we can get police and fire ambulatory services to you,” said Bowling Green Public Works director Andy Souza.
It’s also important to remember that you can also play a part when it comes to flooding dangers. When roads flood, it is difficult to see what is in the water. Trash is commonly picked up by flood waters and could drain into the karst system and eventually the river that we rely on for drinking water.
“When it rains, it drains. Anything that goes into this storm water system will eventually end up in either of the cave systems and or the Barren River, which is where we all get our drinking water from. So if you’re walking down the street and smoking a cigarette and you chuck that cigarette butt down the storm drain, well, someone’s going to have to clean that out so that you can have clean water to drink,” said environment compliance inspector Matt Wisenden.
With the rains expected to be heavy this week and flooding a likely concern, its important to remember to stay away from storm drains as the water can move fast a pose a serious threat.
It is also important to remember to never drive through standing water, especially if authorities have blocked off the roads. Remember to turn around, and don’t drown.