Kentucky Transportation Cabinet preparing for road closures due to high water

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is preparing for flooding ahead of weekend rainfall.

Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday morning as anywhere from two to five inches of rain are expected to fall from Saturday to Sunday. As the ground and waterways are already saturated from rain and snow, significant flooding is possible.

“Motorists should always plan ahead for changing weather,” the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet wrote in a Friday news release. “Drivers need to utilize alternate routes instead of driving through low areas that are prone to flooding.”

The cabinet reinforced that drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways.

“When necessary, maintenance crews place signage in areas that have high water and flooding. When the water recedes, and roads are deemed safe, ‘Road Closed’ signs will be removed,” KYTC officials said.

Hydroplaning is also of concern going into the weekend, as heavy rain and low visibility are possible.

“Hydroplaning occurs when the tires drive over wet pavement or standing water and lose contact with the road surface. This results in a loss of traction and an inability to steer the vehicle. Hydroplaning can occur at any speed under the right combination of conditions,” a news release reads.

If you must travel, be sure to check traffic conditions before hitting the road. Click here to view the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s traffic map.