Flash Flooding and Debris Flows in Kentucky, February 27 to 28, 2021

Name: Flash Flooding and Debris Flows in Kentucky, February 27 to 28, 2021
Start: 2021-02-27T08:18
End: 2021-02-28T23:59
Location: Kentucky

February 27 to 28, 2021 · NWS JKL · 50 events in 17 counties and zones

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $451,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 50

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS JKL wrote it up.

Several rounds of heavy rain moved across eastern Kentucky from late Friday, February 26th through early Monday, March 1st. The combination of all the heavy rainfall led to significant flooding across a good portion of central and east Kentucky. For some areas, this was the most significant flooding in the last 50 to 60 years, or more. FEMA estimates that this event cost $350-400 million dollars in damages, including both individual and public infrastructure. This is now the costliest event in Kentucky to date.

The first round of heavy rain came through on the morning of Saturday, February 27th. This early rainfall targeted areas along the Hal Rogers Parkway, including Laurel, Clay, Perry, and Knott counties. Flash flooding let to some closed roads for a short time in these areas.

The second round of rainfall occurred late Saturday night as a warm front lifted northward across east Kentucky. The heavy rain stalled out over portions of Powell and Menifee Counties, leading to flash flooding into the early morning hours of Sunday.

Finally, the third round of heavy rain started late Sunday afternoon and continued through Sunday night. Given that much of the area had already received significant amounts of rain from the past two events, the ground was very saturated, and this last round caused widespread flash flooding across much of east Kentucky. As water made it's way to the larger creeks and rivers, these began to flood as well. River levels on the Kentucky river were some of the highest readings ever recorded, namely at Booneville and Ravenna. Clay City, Heidelberg, Jackson, Paintsville, and Salyersville also saw significant river flooding of which hadn't been seen in 40 to 50 years.

The periods of heavy rain and flooding led to numerous water rescues and mud/rock slides. Many areas were cut off or blocked due to the flooding. Power outages were also noted and reached as high as 12,000 during the peak of the flash flooding Sunday night.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Jackson, KY wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 27, 7:22 AM EST, 56 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 27, 7:22 AM EST, 56 minutes before

AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
National Weather Service Jackson KY
722 AM EST Sat Feb 27 2021

.UPDATE...
Issued at 722 AM EST SAT FEB 27 2021

The heavier rainfall has finally exited, but some light to
moderate rain continues across southeast Kentucky this morning.
This activity should slowly wind down through the morning, but
scattered showers will continue to cross southeast Kentucky along
the stalled out boundary through the afternoon hours. No big
changes needed right now. We did have some flooding reported in
the Manchester area early this morning.

&&

.SHORT TERM...(Today through Sunday)
Issued at 351 AM EST SAT FEB 27 2021

An area of heavy rain continues to impact portions of east
Kentucky early this morning. The heaviest rain has really been
focused south of the Mountain Parkway, and just north of the
Tennessee/Virginia state line. This area of rain blossomed
overnight thanks to some tremendous 850mb moisture transport and a
frontogenetical circulation. We have seen rainfall within this
band exceed an inch already and will likely see a few places close
in on 2 inches before all is said and done. Farther north and
closer to the VA/TN state line, we haven't seen quite as much
rainfall overnight. Models due shift the axis of rain farther into
southeast Kentucky this morning before we start to lose the
frontogenetical circulation. However, a stationary boundary will
hang out across southeast Kentucky today and will aid in isolated
to scattered showers continuing through this afternoon. The
morning rain will certainly prime the area for any additional
rainfall this weekend with FFG likely coming way down. Thus, any
additional rainfall this weekend may go more into direct runoff
aiding in the flood threat. Thus, the flood watch remains very
much needed and no changes planned with current watch
configurations.

By tonight, a strong upper level jet will develop north of the
region with eastern Kentucky generally in the right entrance
region to this jet streak. This coupled with a shortwave pushing
northeast across the area will lead to rain shower development.
This wave is also likely to push a warm front northward through
the area with instability increasing overnight. Models continue to
support another 1 to 2 inches of rain tonight, with the heaviest
amounts likely focused more to the north. However, even rainfall
amounts near 1 inch could lead to problems in places that saw the
heavier rain this morning. The rates could be decent too as
instability is expected to increase allowing for a better threat
of thunderstorms tonight. Thus, flood concern will certainly be
there tonight.

PW's will climb to near 1.50 on Sunday as much of eastern
Kentucky moves into the warm sector. This is near record territory
for late February based on Nashville sounding PW climatology. The
warm front may hang up near I-64, and this could keep rain going
in the north Sunday morning. However, the rest of the area may see
things temporarily dry out. Some areas may push well into the 60s
within this warm sector under gusty south to southwest winds.
However, the frontal boundary is expected to drop back south and
east Sunday afternoon and with continuing jet support aloft,
interacting with the juicy air over the region, we should see
locally heavy rain again across much of east Kentucky. With
already saturated ground, flooding concerns will be quite elevated
through the day Sunday. Many rivers will also be running high at
this point as well, so additional rainfall will just make things
worse.

.LONG TERM...(Sunday night through Friday)
Issued at 532 AM EST SAT FEB 27 2021

The aforementioned heavy rain event in the short term section will
stretch into Sunday night. However, a cold front sweeping through
from northwest to southeast during the night will finally bring
rain to an end late Sunday night and Monday morning. Another cold
front is expected to pass through Monday evening with a punch of
much colder air, but no precip. The supporting upper level trough
will be progressive, and flat flow or even weak ridging aloft
should arrive on Tuesday, with the surface high behind the front
slipping to our east. This results in a quick return to warm air
advection and a decent temperature rebound on Tuesday.

After this point, models still have not found a common solution to
the next couple of upper level waves which will potentially affect
us. The first of these emanates from the trough currently over the
western CONUS. An upper low which closes off from the trough over
the Southwest will eventually weaken and get reabsorbed into the
flow. The exact track of the wave and how quickly it weakens
leaves some questions regarding our precip potential. Based on a
model blend, have used peak POPs in the chance category centered
on Tuesday night.

The next system is very similar. It is currently well out over the
Pacific, but is expected to close off another upper low off the
California coast on Monday, with the low then weakening as it
heads east across the southern CONUS during the week. The ECMWF,
Canadian, and GFS models are all varying in the timing, track, and
rate of weakening. The GFS is fastest and strongest, and brings
rain to our area Thursday night and Friday. In the fastest
available runs, the Canadian and ECMWF were drier. With much
uncertainty, have used only low chance POPs in the Thursday night
and Friday time frame.

&&

.AVIATION...(For the 12Z TAFS through 12Z Sunday morning)
ISSUED AT 722 AM EST SAT FEB 27 2021

IFR conditions will hold tough through the day as a frontal
boundary remains stalled out over southeast Kentucky. Some light
to moderate rain will slowly wind down through the morning, but
scattered showers may continue into the afternoon hours. A better
chance for rain will seen tonight as the front lifts back north
across the area. A period of low level wind shear will continue
this morning with another round of wind shear expected tonight.

&&

.JKL WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Flood Watch from late tonight through Monday morning for KYZ044-
050>052-058>060-068-069-079-080-083-084-104-106>109-111-112-114.

Flood Watch from Sunday morning through Monday morning for
KYZ085>088-110-113-115>120.

&&

UPDATE...KAS
SHORT TERM...KAS
LONG TERM...HAL
AVIATION...KAS

Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 27, 4:56 AM EST, 3 hours 22 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Jackson KY
456 AM EST Sat Feb 27 2021

KYZ044-050>052-058>060-068-069-079-080-083-084-104-106>109-111-
112-114-281300-
Fleming-Montgomery-Bath-Rowan-Estill-Powell-Menifee-Rockcastle-
Jackson-Pulaski-Laurel-Wayne-McCreary-Elliott-Morgan-Johnson-
Wolfe-Magoffin-Lee-Breathitt-Owsley-
Including the cities of Flemingsburg, Camargo, Jeffersonville,
Mount Sterling, Owingsville, Morehead, Irvine, Ravenna,
Clay City, Stanton, Frenchburg, Brodhead, Mount Vernon, McKee,
Annville, Burnside, Somerset, London, Monticello, Stearns,
Whitley City, Sandy Hook, West Liberty, Paintsville, Campton,
Salyersville, Beattyville, Jackson, and Booneville
456 AM EST Sat Feb 27 2021

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY
MORNING...

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern Kentucky.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Heavy rainfall is expected early this morning, mainly south of the
Mountain Parkway. This could lead to some minor flooding.

Heavy rainfall, aided by a few thunderstorms, is expected
tonight. This will lead to a threat for flooding of creeks and
rivers. In addition, flash flooding is also possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Heavy rainfall will continue through Sunday night. A few
thunderstorms are possible through Sunday evening. This will lead
to a threat for flooding of creeks and rivers. In addition, flash
flooding is also possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are encouraged to report any instances of flooding or
rainfall amounts over an inch through Sunday night.

KYZ085>088-110-113-115>120-281300-
Whitley-Knox-Bell-Harlan-Floyd-Knott-Perry-Clay-Leslie-Letcher-
Martin-Pike-
Including the cities of Corbin, Williamsburg, Barbourville,
Middlesboro, Pineville, Cumberland, Harlan, Prestonsburg,
Wheelwright, Hindman, Pippa Passes, Hazard, Manchester, Hyden,
Jenkins, Whitesburg, Inez, Coal Run, Elkhorn City, Pikeville,
and South Williamson
456 AM EST Sat Feb 27 2021

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY
MORNING...

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of eastern Kentucky.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Heavy rainfall is expected early this morning. This could lead to
some minor flooding.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Heavy rainfall is expected Sunday and Sunday night. A few
thunderstorms are possible through Sunday evening. This will lead
to a threat for flooding of creeks and rivers. In addition, flash
flooding is also possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are encouraged to report any instances of flooding or
rainfall amounts over an inch through Sunday night.

KAS/HAL

In the hours before

Local storm report, Feb 27, 7:08 AM EST, 1 hour 10 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
708 AM EST SAT FEB 27 2021

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0635 AM     FLOOD            1 WSW MANCHESTER        37.15N 83.78W
02/27/2021                   CLAY               KY   PARK/FOREST SRVC

            WATER ABOUT 2 TO 3 FEET DEEP AT THE
            INTERSECTION OF TOWN BRANCH RD AND MUDDY GAP
            RD. THIS IS A POOR DRAINAGE AREA.

&&

KAS

Local storm report, Feb 27, 7:10 AM EST, 1 hour 8 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
710 AM EST SAT FEB 27 2021

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0635 AM     FLOOD            MANCHESTER              37.15N 83.76W
02/27/2021                   CLAY               KY   PARK/FOREST SRVC

            WATER ON THE ROAD, BUT THE ROAD WAS PASSABLE
            ON TOWN BRANCH ROAD AT RICHMOND RD.

&&

KAS

Local storm report, Feb 27, 7:14 AM EST, 1 hour 4 minutes before

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON KY
714 AM EST SAT FEB 27 2021

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0713 AM     HEAVY RAIN       1 SSW LONDON-CORBIN AIR 37.07N 84.09W
02/27/2021  E2.92 INCH       LAUREL             KY   TRAINED SPOTTER

            24 HOUR RAINFALL TOTAL.

&&

KAS

The radar

The Jackson,KY radar (KJKL), 45 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:16 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

28 flood, 20 flash flood, 2 debris flow. Local standard time, as filed.

Flood, Knott

When: February 27, 8:18 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Knott County, 1.59 mi NE of Betty to 0.57 mi NNE of Betty
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.465, -82.828

Highway 550 is flooded and impassable.

Flood, Knott

When: February 27, 8:25 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Knott County, 1.68 mi SE of Tina to 1.7 mi WSW of Hindman
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.353, -82.998

Water was over a few roads in and near Hindman, making them impassable in some cases.

Flood, Clay

When: February 27, 8:28 AM EST to 4:45 PM EST
Where: Clay County, 1.3 mi ESE of Sidell to 1.62 mi SE of Sidell
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.190, -83.800

A report from the public was shared on social media from a broadcast media source, showing a picture of flooding on Hwy 638 near the Sidell community, and what appears to be a vehicle stuck in the waters.

Flood, Breathitt

When: February 27, 8:35 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Breathitt County, 0.95 mi NW of Press to 0.43 mi WNW of Press
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Newspaper
Coordinates: 37.541, -83.291

At mile marker 2 on Hwy 1098, water is across one lane. Also about 2.5 miles on Hwy 1098, both lanes are impassable.

Flood, Leslie

When: February 27, 8:37 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Leslie County, 1.19 mi WSW of Bear Branch to 1.09 mi WSW of Bear Branch
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.164, -83.550

A public report was posted via local broadcast media's social media. The picture showed flood waters up to the steps of a home in the Bear Branch community.

Flood, Clay

When: February 27, 8:50 AM EST to 4:45 PM EST
Where: Clay County, 2.15 mi SW of Pigeonroost to 1.02 mi SW of Pigeonroost
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.100, -83.830

Old Hwy 80 is flooded across both lanes near the Pigeonroost community, and is impassable.

Debris Flow, Pike

When: February 27, 8:50 AM EST
Where: Pike County, 0.21 mi WSW of Kimper to 0.25 mi SSW of Kimper
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.498, -82.353

A rock and mudslide were reported near the Kimper community on KY 194.

Flood, Clay

When: February 27, 9:29 AM EST to 4:45 PM EST
Where: Clay County, 1.15 mi WSW of Eriline to 0.37 mi ENE of Culton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.171, -83.597

A member of the public reported flood waters over the road near Peabody, making it impassable. The impacted road was not reported.

Flood, Floyd

When: February 27, 9:48 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, 0.5 mi SW of Wayland to 0.44 mi SE of Wayland
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.444, -82.806

Flood waters were reported to be over KY-1085 in the community of Wayland.

Flood, Pulaski

When: February 27, 10:00 AM EST to 2:45 PM EST
Where: Pulaski County, 1.57 mi SSW of Oak Hill to 0.96 mi S of Oak Hill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.029, -84.642

Water was reported over the roadway about 2 SSW of Somerset, making the road impassable. The specific road was not defined.

Flood, Knox

When: February 27, 10:01 AM EST to 4:45 PM EST
Where: Knox County, 0.8 mi NNW of Place to 0.76 mi NNW of Place
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.940, -84.037

High water over the road near Hazel Fork Creek in Siler, just west of the community of Gray.

Flood, Floyd

When: February 27, 11:51 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, Glo to 0.5 mi SSE of Lackey
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.450, -82.820

Broadcast media had a picture shared on social media from the public, showing flooding across a road in the community of Estill and up to the edge of a home. The exact road is unknown.

Flash Flood, Powell

When: February 28, 7:00 AM EST to 9:00 AM EST
Where: Powell County, 0.63 mi SW of Waltersville to 0.6 mi SW of Waltersville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.864, -83.939

Adams Ridge Road was reported to have water flowing across the road making it impassable. An alternate route was being used for people traveling the road.

Flood, Powell

When: February 28, 7:00 AM EST to 9:00 AM EST
Where: Powell County, 0.7 mi S of Virden to 0.69 mi SSE of Virden
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.870, -83.948

Water was covering the road at mile marker 16 on the Mountain Parkway. The dispatch also reported that the road was not closed.

Flash Flood, Morgan

When: February 28, 7:02 AM EST to 9:00 AM EST
Where: Morgan County, Wrigley to 0.12 mi SSW of Wrigley
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 38.020, -83.270

Water was reported covering the road at the intersection of Hwy 711 and Hwy 7, making the road impassable.

Flash Flood, Menifee

When: February 28, 7:10 AM EST to 9:10 AM EST
Where: Menifee County, 0.62 mi E of Means to 1.03 mi E of Means
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $30,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.949, -83.759

Hwy 460 was shut down due to high water flowing across the road near the 7000 block. Several cars stalled out in the water.

Flash Flood, Menifee

When: February 28, 7:10 AM EST to 9:10 AM EST
Where: Menifee County, 1.88 mi NNE of Frenchburg to 1.77 mi SE of Ratliff
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.973, -83.611

Multiple spots on Hwy 1274 had water flowing over the road. Road was shut down as a result.

Flash Flood, Menifee

When: February 28, 7:10 AM EST to 9:10 AM EST
Where: Menifee County, 1.08 mi ENE of Tabor to 1.03 mi SSW of Tabor
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.928, -83.663

Hwy 713 was closed due to high water flowing over the road.

Flood, Morgan

When: February 28, 8:32 AM EST to 10:30 AM EST
Where: Morgan County, 0.28 mi NNW of Florress to 0.33 mi SW of Florress
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.884, -83.181

Report received from MPing: River/Creek is overflowing and resulting in flooding of cropland/yard/and or basement.

Flash Flood, Leslie

When: February 28, 8:35 AM EST to 10:30 AM EST
Where: Leslie County, 1.35 mi SE of Wendover to 1.44 mi SE of Wendover
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $500
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.117, -83.351

Sections of Camp Creek Road along Camp Creek near Wendover-Hurricane Creek Road are flooded and impassable.

Flash Flood, Leslie

When: February 28, 8:35 AM EST to 10:30 AM EST
Where: Leslie County, 0.88 mi SE of Dryhill to 0.3 mi SSE of Dryhill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.210, -83.360

KY 3425 (Dry Hill - MacIntosh Road) is flooded and impassable between the Mountain Parkway and Owls Nest Road.

Flash Flood, Knox

When: February 28, 8:45 AM EST to 10:45 AM EST
Where: Knox County, 0.55 mi W of Jarvis Store to 0.7 mi NW of Jarvis Store
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 36.950, -83.890

KY 229 was flooded and impassable at Elam Branch Rd along Richland Creek.

Flood, Jackson

When: February 28, 5:00 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 4.28 mi NE of Climax to 2.89 mi ENE of Climax
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.514, -84.175

Flooding of roads and low lying areas was reported in the Clover Bottom area. No specifics were given.

Flood, Jackson

When: February 28, 5:20 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 3.34 mi NE of Johnetta to 3.62 mi E of Climax
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Amateur Radio
Coordinates: 37.456, -84.160

Moderate flooding was reported in the low lying areas along Horse Lick Creek.

Flood, Floyd

When: February 28, 5:40 PM EST to 7:45 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, 0.73 mi ESE of Bonanza to 0.82 mi ESE of Bonanza
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $25,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.695, -82.858

KY 1427 (Abbott Creek Rd) about 3 miles west of U.S. 23 was impassable with 2.5 to 3 feet of water estimated to be flowing over it. A vehicle was stranded in the flood waters in this location. This is a very flood prone area.

Flash Flood, Magoffin

When: February 28, 6:23 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST
Where: Magoffin County, 0.33 mi ESE of Hendricks to 0.46 mi ENE of Hendricks
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.719, -83.114

Swiftly flowing water was reported over KY 30 just northeast of Mill Branch Road making it impassable.

Flash Flood, Rockcastle

When: February 28, 6:25 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST
Where: Rockcastle County, 0.37 mi NNW of Brodhead to 0.45 mi NE of Brodhead
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.405, -84.423

Multiple streets were reported to be covered with water and closed in the Broadhead community, including Silver Street and Church Street.

Flood, Jackson

When: February 28, 7:00 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, Clover Bottom to 0.46 mi E of Clover Bottom
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.500, -84.150

The flooding of low lying areas continues in the community of Clover Bottom. Water is rising, having gone up a few feet in the last 2 hours. There is now at least 1 to 2 feet over a roadway in the community (roadway unspecified).

Flash Flood, Breathitt

When: February 28, 7:16 PM EST to 9:15 PM EST
Where: Breathitt County, 0.52 mi ESE of Wilhurst to 0.29 mi NNE of Wilhurst
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.628, -83.411

Multiple side streets have at least 6 inches of water flowing over them in the Vancleve Community. Water is now surrounding houses and getting into garages.

Flash Flood, Perry

When: February 28, 7:30 PM EST to 9:30 PM EST
Where: Perry County, 0.92 mi SE of Krypton to 0.88 mi SSE of Krypton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.309, -83.340

Hwy 451 was shut down due to flash flooding in the Krypton community. The fire department also had to rescue someone from the flood waters.

Flash Flood, Wolfe

When: February 28, 7:37 PM EST to 9:30 PM EST
Where: Wolfe County, 0.88 mi NW of Lee City to 0.86 mi SSW of Lee City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.740, -83.340

Water began rising in the Lee City community, leading to a water rescue. Exact location within the community is unknown.

Flood, Floyd

When: February 28, 7:46 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, Dotson to 0.36 mi S of Dotson
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.650, -82.870

Middle Creek is flooded and continuing to rise in the Dotson community, encompassing yards and low lying areas along the creek.

Flash Flood, Jackson

When: February 28, 8:13 PM EST to 10:15 PM EST
Where: Jackson County, 0.79 mi ESE of Morrill to 0.75 mi ESE of Morrill
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.515, -84.187

It was reported that water was over the junction of Hwy 421 and Hwy 3447 near the community of Morrill, and that a piece of the road was about to wash away as a result.

Flood, Floyd

When: February 28, 8:22 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, 0.69 mi S of Bonanza to 0.44 mi NW of West Prestonsburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.690, -82.870

Spotter reported 5 feet of water now over KY 1427 (Abbott Creek Rd) just west of Prestonsburg. Water was also continuing to rise.

Flood, Clay

When: February 28, 8:30 PM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where: Clay County, 1.05 mi E of Herron to 1.16 mi E of Herron
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.148, -83.781

Report of a few inches of water flowing over the road at the intersection of Town Branch and Muddy Gap Rd.

Flash Flood, Magoffin

When: February 28, 8:56 PM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where: Magoffin County, 0.5 mi SE of Salyersville to 0.55 mi SE of Salyersville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $40,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.746, -83.063

Water rescues at the nursing home in Salyersville are underway at time of report. Burning Fork Creek flows just behind the nursing home.

Flash Flood, Floyd

When: February 28, 9:30 PM EST to 11:30 PM EST
Where: Floyd County, 0.6 mi NW of Martin to 0.48 mi NNW of Martin
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $75,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.575, -82.759

Reports of 2 to 4 feet of water that is now inundating downtown Martin. Also notified of numerous water rescues ongoing across Floyd County as well.

Flash Flood, Breathitt

When: February 28, 9:48 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Breathitt County, 1.85 mi SSE of Elkatawa to 1.21 mi NNE of Curt
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.527, -83.413

Highway 30 West outside of Jackson is shut down between mile markers 10 and 11 due to Cane Creek being out of its banks and flowing over the road.

Flood, Breathitt

When: February 28, 9:50 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Breathitt County, 0.28 mi ESE of Wilhurst to 0.47 mi N of Wilhurst
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Department of Highways
Coordinates: 37.628, -83.415

Highway 1812 closed in the Vancleve community due to high water.

Flood, Breathitt

When: February 28, 9:54 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Breathitt County, 1.04 mi SW of Crockettsville to 1.07 mi SSW of Crockettsville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.391, -83.495

Water is covering the road at mile marker 1 on Hwy 315 east of Morris Fork.

Flash Flood, Rockcastle

When: February 28, 10:00 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Rockcastle County, 0.4 mi SSW of Maretburg to 0.32 mi SW of Maretburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.345, -84.383

A water rescue is underway on Freedom School Road. A person is trapped in their car surrounded by flood waters.

Flood, Laurel

When: February 28, 10:05 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 1.19 mi ENE of (Loz)mcgee Fld Londo to 1.18 mi NE of (Loz)mcgee Fld Londo
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $20,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.089, -84.062

The Finley Fun Center in London has flood water surrounding the building with people inside. The Fire Dept. is on the scene.

Flood, Laurel

When: February 28, 10:06 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 2.23 mi S of Maplesville to 2.21 mi SSW of Maplesville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.118, -84.038

Sally's Branch Road is flooded and not passable.

Flash Flood, Clay

When: February 28, 10:10 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Clay County, 0.77 mi WNW of Horse Creek to 0.74 mi WNW of Horse Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 37.154, -83.763

Approximately one foot of running water is flowing across the road near the intersection of Richmond Road and Town Branch Road in Manchester.

Flood, Clay

When: February 28, 10:10 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Clay County, 1.17 mi WSW of Littleton to 1.19 mi WNW of Horse Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 37.161, -83.768

Highway 638 near Manchester has been closed due to flooding.

Debris Flow, Clay

When: February 28, 10:10 PM EST
Where: Clay County, 1.15 mi E of Shepherdtown to 1.44 mi E of Shepherdtown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates: 37.280, -83.829

Two mudslides near Ponders Branch Road have blocked the road, just north of the Burning Springs community.

Flash Flood, Laurel

When: February 28, 10:11 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 1.18 mi S of London to 1.3 mi S of London
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.113, -84.084

Video posted on social media of at least 6 inches of flowing water across Hampton Road in London.

Flood, Wolfe

When: February 28, 10:30 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Wolfe County, 0.69 mi N of Lee City to 0.83 mi SSE of Lee City
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: NWS Employee
Coordinates: 37.740, -83.330

Highway 205 is flooded near Lee City.

Flood, Clay

When: February 28, 10:59 PM EST to 11:59 PM EST
Where: Clay County, 42.05 mi NNE of Trixie to 42.27 mi NNE of Trixie
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 37.882, -83.346

Grassy Branch Creek is flooding over nearby roads, likely in the Grassy Branch community. A ditch approximately 5 feet deep is well overflowing.

Flood, Laurel

When: February 28, 11:05 PM EST
Where: Laurel County, 2.23 mi S of Maplesville to 2.21 mi SSW of Maplesville
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 37.118, -84.038

Flooding was ongoing across Sally's Branch Road. Local broadcast media posted a video on Facebook of a water rescue now occurring on this road.

What these are

Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Debris Flow: A fast-moving slurry of mud, rock and debris, usually on a slope soaked by heavy rain or stripped by a fire.
Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Kentucky in 2021 Every state in 2021 This day in weather history Warnings in Kentucky, February 2021

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 938510, 938511, 938513, 938520, 938525, 938529, 938532, 938531, 938533, 938534, 938538, 938539, 938179, 938183, 938184, 938190, 938196, 938201, 938205, 938209, 938211, 938217, 938218, 938223, 938228, 938230, 938239, 938550, 938244, 938245, 938246, 938247, 938248, 938289, 938290, 938291, 938293, 938295, 938491, 938493, and more.