Paducah, Ky. – Heavy rain will begin impacting western Kentucky and the Quad State region by late Sunday night, with multiple rounds of showers capable of dropping 2 to 4 inches of rainfall and creating flooding concerns along major highways by Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, precipitation increases Sunday evening with rain expanding across southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southwest Indiana. A brief rain-snow mix may develop north of the I-64 corridor early Monday, but temperatures quickly rebound. Off-and-on showers continue through midweek, with thunderstorms possible Wednesday through Friday.
Regionwide, I-24 from Paducah to Eddyville and I-69 toward Madisonville could see water pooling during heavier downpours. In southern Illinois, I-57 near Marion and Carbondale may experience reduced visibility and standing water, especially during periods of steady rainfall Tuesday and Wednesday. Southeast Missouri, including Cape Girardeau along I-55, faces similar conditions as rainfall totals climb past 3 inches in spots.
In Evansville and Henderson, low-lying roads near the Ohio River could collect runoff if repeated storms track over the same areas. Creeks and drainage ditches may rise quickly, particularly where soil remains compact from a dry winter.
Temperatures surge into the 70s by Tuesday and remain well above early March averages through late week, increasing instability for additional thunderstorms. Drivers should never attempt to cross water-covered roads and should monitor local emergency management updates. If rainfall rates intensify, flood advisories or warnings could be issued before midweek, with river rises possible later in the week.
