Paducah, Kentucky – Drivers across western Kentucky could encounter flooded roadways within hours Thursday morning as repeated rounds of thunderstorms dump 1 to 3 inches of rain, raising the risk of flash flooding along major corridors including I-24, US 60, and US 45 before midday.
Heavy rain has already moved across parts of the lower Ohio Valley overnight, and additional storms developing early Thursday could quickly overwhelm drainage systems in low-lying areas across McCracken, Graves, and Marshall counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Thursday morning for portions of southern Illinois, northwest Kentucky, and southwest Indiana. Forecasters warn that additional thunderstorms may produce another 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, which could trigger both nuisance flooding and localized flash flooding.
In western Kentucky, communities including Paducah, Murray, and Mayfield may see rapid water buildup on roads during heavier downpours. Key travel routes such as I-24 near the Tennessee River bridge, US 60 through Paducah, and Purchase Parkway could experience standing water if storms repeatedly move over the same areas.
Farther north, cities including Evansville, Indiana, may also see periods of intense rainfall that reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions along I-69 and US 41 during the morning commute.
Flood-prone areas, small creeks, and urban drainage systems may rise quickly during the heaviest rainfall. Motorists should avoid driving through water-covered roads and allow extra travel time if storms move through during peak travel hours.
Rain chances will gradually decrease later Thursday, but water levels on smaller streams and drainage basins could remain elevated for several hours after the heaviest storms pass. Additional updates or warnings may be issued if rainfall intensifies.
