LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is urging the community to stay weather aware this week as remnants of Hurricane Helene enter the region on Friday.
Helene is expected to make landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast as a major hurricane with an “survivable” storm surge sometime Thursday evening. Its remnants will then cut through much of the southeastern region, including portions of Kentucky and southern Indiana.
“There’s chances for flooding and significant storms and high winds, so really think about your travel, especially tomorrow,” Beshear said in a video on social media. “The main thing is be careful, we care about you. This weather may be a little rough.”
The WHAS11 Weather Impact Team has issued an Alert Day for Friday due to heavy bands of rain impacting the region beginning Thursday night.
Between two to four inches of rain is expected across Kentuckiana, which will help our moderate drought conditions, but may cause flooding. Wind gusts could also reach 40-50 mph.
Download the free WHAS11 app to watch live coverage during severe weather and get real-time weather alerts, even if your power goes out. For Apple or Android users.
During his weekly Team Kentucky update, Beshear said he has not declared a state of emergency, however state officials are closely monitoring changes to the forecast.
"Safety starts with us, follow any evacuation orders, avoid flooded areas, and just be extra cautious," he said. "Our goal is, while we'll be at the tail end of all of this, let's make sure we don't lose one person to this hurricane. Let's try to make sure we don't have one injury due to this hurricane."
The governor warned Kentuckians to avoid flooded roadways and reiterated the dangers of flooding.
"Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. Twelve inches can carry away most vehicles. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around, it’s not worth it," Beshear said.
