Officials urge motorists to steer clear of water
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – With the remnants of Hurricane Laura on its way toward Kentucky, local emergency management officials are reminding the public how to stay safe with flooding and strong winds in the area.
Friday evening and overnight, South Central Kentucky is expected to receive substantial rainfall and gusts of wind up to 30 miles per hour as the remnants of hurricane Laura pass through the Bluegrass.
Barren County Emergency Management director Tracy Shirley says the rain will likely cause flooding to roads and rivers.
“Sometimes they get in the habit, ‘well I can drive through it. I have before,’ and we always encourage people to turn around, don’t drown because you may have done it before but the next time it may be just a little faster, a little more volume in there and you have issues with it,” said Shirley.
Just six inches of water can sweep a car off the roadway.
Water can sometimes be deeper than it appears.
Tim Robinson, Warren County Emergency Management deputy director, says it’s not worth the risk.
“If there are any kind of barricades, signs, caution tape, anything of those things, please don’t drive around those areas. They are there for a reason. We know it’s an inconvenience. It’s inconvenient to us as well. But please don’t bypass those measures and get yourself into a hazardous situation,” said Robinson.
Tornadoes are also a possibility during this storm so be sure you have your weather radio, text alerts and televisions on so that you can stay weather aware and safe.
“You want to seek shelter inside of a sturdy building. Most of our parks have a storm shelter. Some fire departments have storm shelters. Get into the interior of your home. Stay away from windows. If you are in a structure that is not very sturdy, it would be better to be outside in a low-lying area like a ditch,” said Robinson.
They also warn, stay vigilant and aware of fallen tree branches or trash cans and trampolines blown into roadways.
Robinson also warns, rivers will likely be swollen following the storm and the waters will not be safe for most kayakers and fisherman until the water levels recede.
