Flood — Henry, Kentucky

1997-03-02 to 1997-03-09 · Henry, Kentucky

Wider weather episode

Record to near record rainfall from early March 1 through March 2 caused the highest flooding on the Kentucky River at Frankfort since 1937 with the river cresting at 45.2 feet at 1 pm est March 3 (flood stage is 31 feet). Meanwhile, further south where rain totals were not as high, the flooding was only minor. The river at Highbridge crested at 37.4 feet at 7 pm est March 2 (flood stage is 30 feet). At Ford, the river only reached 27.1 feet at 8 pm est March 5 (flood stage is 26 feet). Numerous rescues were made during both the flash flooding and the flooding along the Kentucky River. The flooding was particularly bad along Elkhorn Creek in Franklin county where many two-story houses had water up to the second floor and at least 75 rescues were made. A 50 year old man was killed around 9 am est March 2 as he attempted to cross a flooded road. His car was swept into Elkhorn Creek, a tributary of the Kentucky River, and he drowned as he attempted to swim for safety. The town of Burgin in southeastern Mercer county also had many homes with water coming in. Damage amounts also include flooding and flash flooding damage from March 1 through March 2.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5596806. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.