The listening region is under a flood watch and a high wind warning until 8 p.m. Friday. Forecasters are watching the remnants of Hurricane Helene, which has now been downgraded to a tropical storm. The peak of the storm is expected this afternoon.
Alex Vorst is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson. He said the biggest concern is widespread power outages.
“Due to the saturated soils due to the recent rainfall and with saturated soils, these trees can come down a little bit easier. So, the biggest concern is going to be the rainfall as well as the strong to gusty winds and through the day those will gradually taper off toward Friday evening,” said Vorst.
However, Vorst said the system will remain in the region for a few days.
“So, for Morehead specifically, we're looking at showers, maybe even possibly a rumble of thunder or two through the day Saturday, continuing Saturday night. Same for Sunday, showers, possibly a thunderstorm, and then again Monday showers, possibly a thunderstorm as this thing just kind of just sits and spins over central Kentucky and that's what's going to keep these shower and thunderstorm chances through the weekend,” said Vorst.
The NWS reports isolated mud slides are possible, along with the high winds and flood watch. One to two inches of rain is expected.
The weather has impacted several community events. The Run Morehead 5-K has been rescheduled for October 25. The Block Party featuring Sundy Best will now take place Friday, November 1. The Cave Run Storytelling Festival has moved all Friday events to the First Baptist Church on East Main Street in Morehead. OcTUBAfest, originally scheduled for Saturday evening, has been cancelled.
