HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – As Christian County continues recovering from widespread flash flooding and roads start reopening, the region is also preparing for up to five inches of snow coming this week. Crews are doubling up their efforts to battle both weather events and keep roadways clear.

“We had a busy weekend with the flooding and unexpected snow accumulation yesterday morning,” said Hopkinsville Public Works Director Mike Perry. “With the North Fork and South Fork of Little River receding, the majority of flooded streets are back open for traffic. Public Works is out today cleaning up any debris that has washed up on streets and in storm drains.”

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Tuesday through Wednesday morning, with heavy snow predicted to come through the area. Between three to five inches may accumulate as snow begins to fall Tuesday night.

Perry added plows will be dispatched following the anticipated snow to keep streets cleared as much as possible. Due to extreme temperatures predicted, road salt will likely be ineffective. “I’d encourage motorist to only travel if necessary to allow the snow removal crews to do their job to keep everybody safe.”

Statewide flood response

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has shared that as of noon on Sunday, there are eight confirmed deaths in the state connected to the severe weather this weekend. No fatalities or weather-related injuries have been reported in Christian County. On Feb. 14, Beshear issued a State of Emergency for Kentucky in response to the incoming weather.

Locally, multiple people were rescued from floodwaters by the Hopkinsville Fire Department after their vehicles were stuck in floodwaters. Christian County Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam shared that the county is currently preparing for the incoming snow, and floodwaters seem to be receding faster than anticipated.

According to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Kentucky Dam is spilling almost 2 million gallons of water per second as water is moved through the system after this weekend’s rain. “We are working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to help reduce the flood crest this week on the lower Ohio River. Expect Kentucky and Barkley Lake levels to rise as we store water,” said the TVA.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reporting the following state roads to be blocked by highwater.

  • Julien Road blocked by high water between the 2-6.8 mile points
  • Palmyra Road blocked with high water between the 0-4 and 9.2-9.5 mile points
  • Empire Road blocked by high water between the 1.4-2 mile points

WEATHER OUTLOOK: Click here for Christian County’s weather forecast and live radar.