(LEX 18) — Thursday's heavy rainfall has caused high water problems and impacted roads across Eastern Kentucky.
KYTC confirmed several roads remain closed Friday morning in Breathitt, Estill, Magoffin, Owsley and Powell counties due to high water. Schools in these areas may be closed or operating on an NTI Day Friday. List of school closings/delays.
NWS Louisville surveyed storm damage in Russell County and found no evidence of a tornado in the county. Preliminary information shows it was a narrow corridor of 80-90 mph winds within a larger swath of 60 mph winds. This is straight-line winds as of now.
Storm damage in Russell County included the roof being blown off of Ace Hardware. A 58 mph wind gust was recorded.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesperson H. B. Elkins said the biggest issue they faced was a rockslide along Highway 52 between Jackson and Beattyville. It came down around 4 p.m. Thursday.
Work continues as crews remove debris from the rock slide.
The area along Highway 15 on the way into Jackson is familiar with flooding, especially after last summer's flooding. Emergency managers have been concerned about the Panbowl Dam since the flooding last summer. They were worried it wasn't stable enough to hold. Construction crews are working on a project through the winter to ensure it's stabilized.
Clay County Emergency Management is aware of impassable roadways and bridges in areas affected by the recent rain and flooding.
Navigate road closures due to weather here.
