IRVINE, Ky. — There’s a chance of a major flood in Kentucky this weekend.
All of Kentucky is under a flood watch.
The Kentucky River could cause a major flooding event in Estill County. The community is about an hour southeast of Lexington.
The Kentucky River is expected to crest in Estill County on Monday Feb. 17, around 1 a.m. The National Water Prediction Service predicts it could crest near 37 feet.
Hours of rain and the potential for a major flooding event have Chynna’s Small Town Shop preparing for the worst.
“We just really don’t know what to do. But we just try to stay on top of it and just be prepared for when it hits,” said Chynna Hardy, while working at Chynna’s Small Town Shop.
Hardy was born and raised in Irvine and has been working at the family-owned shop for over two years.
“I’m 23 now, so I’ve been here quite a while. It’s pretty small here, but I love it. Like, I couldn’t imagine living somewhere else,” she said.
If major flooding does happen, Hardy said she is expecting damage to the floor, but she is doing what she can to protect the merchandise.
“As for our items, we’re going to try to put those up high enough so that, you know, the water can’t reach those,” Hardy said.
Ronnie Riddell, Estill County Emergency Management Director, said he is expecting the Kentucky River to rise “pretty quickly and steadily” through at least Monday.
“Honestly, flooding is part of our lives here. We see a lot of floods throughout the year, but this one has the potential to be more significant than we normally see,” said Riddell.
He said there’s more rain coming for areas that feed the Kentucky River. He urged drivers to avoid flooded areas.
“There’s usually no reason to take a risk for your vehicle and your lives to do that. We want to reiterate that and make sure that everyone understands,” Riddell said.
In March 2021, the shopping center that Hardy’s store is in faced significant flooding.
The National Water Prediction Service estimated major flooding events in other parts of the state.
“Just trying to keep up with the watching the news and FEMA and trying to just see the latest reports that they’re doing and just trying to stay on top of it,” Hardy said.
Estill County Emergency Management is monitoring the situation
Riddell said if you live in a flood prone area, take the precautions you need now and don’t wait.
As always, you can call or text 911 in an emergency.