Emergency Declaration in place for Warren County
WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman has executed a Declaration of
Emergency for Warren County because of rainfall over the past several days.
Excessive rainfall has posed a variety of challenges for departments within the City of Bowling Green and Warren County Governments, reported Ronnie Pearson, Director of Bowling Green – Warren County Emergency Management. Rainfall, reported by some sources in Warren County has exceeded 6” over the past several days. That rainfall has produced significant flooding on various waterways in Warren County.
Warren County Road Department and Bowling Green Street Department have been busily working to mark roadways that have been covered by floodwater and are also making emergency repairs to roads damaged by the flooding. County officials are working today to conduct emergency repairs to the access road of Weatherstone Subdivision that will enable subdivision residents to enter and leave the subdivision.
Numerous vehicles have stalled when trying to drive into the subdivision through the flood waters. At least 13 water rescues were conducted by local fire department personnel and emergency management staff in a 24-hour period in Bowling Green and Warren County.
All individuals occupying those vehicles were successfully gotten to safety.
Pearson emphasized the importance of abiding by road signs and barricades. “Many of the water rescues that occurred were the results of drivers ignoring barricades and warning signs that had been placed to prevent drivers from entering flooded roadways. We urge drivers to “Turn Around – Don’t Drown” during this ongoing event.”
The next weather event will begin later this evening and intensify beginning around 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 6:00 P.M., CST, continuing until 11:00 A.M., CST on Wednesday morning. A dusting of snow may occur overnight tonight that could produce slick roadways on the travel to work on Tuesday morning. A quick 4”-6” of snow is predicted to fall between 6:00 P.M. Tuesday and 11:00 A.M. Wednesday. Temperatures have chilled surfaces and roadways, so snow is likely to accumulate quickly once it begins. And the snow won’t be going anywhere soon. Along with the snow, there will be at least a couple of days of bone chilling cold with overnight temperatures falling into single digits. Wind chill during daylight hours will also be in single digits or possibly below zero.
Travel should be limited. “If you must travel, have an emergency kit in your car consisting of blankets, food, and water. Always carry a fully charged cell phone and a charging cable to enable you to recharge your phone in case you are stranded,”
Pearson urged. A variety of emergency shelters and warming centers will be available through Friday. Hotel, Inc. will be participating with other partners in providing a Warming Center Wednesday through Friday. The Salvation Army will also be operating a Warming Center. The Room at the Inn along with the Salvation Army will be providing emergency overnight shelter during the period. The Salvation Army shelter is in “White Flag” operations. “White Flag” operations are defined as situations where temperatures
are sustained at freezing or below for a sustained period. During those times, people will be taken in even when a bed may not be available in the shelter. People needing shelter must be present by 8:00 P.M., CST. 211 will be available to assist with information needed for shelter locations. Emergencies should still be directed to 911. A warming trend may begin next week but Pearson advised citizens to be prepared for a cold snowy week.
