Flash Flooding and Flooding in Kentucky, February 18 to 21, 2000

Rains of 2.5 to 4 inches hit Carter, Greenup, and Boyd Counties in about an 18 hour period on the 18th. A frontal zone pushed north of northeast Kentucky during the early monring hours. Another round of rain developed by early afternoon as low pressure moved up the Ohio River Valley. Southerly winds in Tennessee and Kentucky pulled moisture north. Surface dew points were in the 55 to 60degree range. Thunderstorms occurred during the late afternoon and evening hours. Rains totals from cooperative observers included 3.8 inches from Warnock of Greenup County, 3.0 inches at Ashland, 2.8 inches at Olive HIll, and 2.5 inches at Grayson.A state of emergency was declared in Boyd and Greenup Counties. Damage was less in Carter County. Tygarts Creek in Greenup County crested about 8 inches lower than in March of 1997. Hoods and Little Hoods Creeks flooded the Westwood vicinity of Boyd County. Evacuations were required and a few businesses along Route 5 were flooded. Twelve families were affected by the high water in the community of Carter of Carter County. Minor river flooding occurred after the flash flooding. The Little Sandy River in Carter County crested slightly higher than flood stage, below the dam at Grayson Lake. The crest at Grayson was 22.4 feet around 0800E on the 19th. Flood stage is 21 feet at Grayson. The mainstem of the Ohio River crested near bankfull, causing backwater flooding. The crest at the Greenup Lock and Dam was 54.5 feet around 0800E on the 21st. The crest at Ashland was not available since the gauge was inoperative during this high water event.