Meteorologists predict that the remnants of Hurricane Helene will bring heavy rain, strong winds and possible flooding to Lexington and central Kentucky over the next few days.
The Category 1 storm is strengthening as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and makes landfall early Friday morning near Florida’s Big Bend coast.
According to the National Weather Service, Lexington and central Kentucky can expect 2 to 4 inches of rain over the weekend, with winds between 30 and 40 mph.
Central Kentucky will see some rain on Thursday, but the downpours will arrive on Friday. The NWS says there is a chance of 1-2 inches of rain on Friday with 22 to 30 mph winds and gusts up to 45 mph.
Chris Bailey, chief meteorologist at WKYT, says there is a high possibility of flash flooding.
Showers will continue Saturday and Sunday, with the forecast calling for a clearing up only on Wednesday, when the NWS calls for sunny skies with a high of 73.
Events in Lexington canceled due to Hurricane Helene
The rains from Hurricane Helene have forced some local events to change their plans. The annual Festival Latino De Lexington has canceled its Friday, Sept. 27, events at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza. But plans for Saturday at the courthouse and the Health Fair at Masterson Station Park on Sept. 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. are still on.
