Tropical storm Delta is still about 450 miles away from Kentucky, but we’re already getting the rainfall from the storm. As of the NHC’s update this morning, the system has weakened to a Tropical Storm with sustained winds of 45 mph and gusts to 60 mph. We will not be feeling the wind from the storm, but the rain will be a different story. Rainfall has already started consistently for the southern counties and will continue to do so through today. Otherwise, it’s cloudy and mild with temperatures in the 60s.
What used to be Hurricane Delta has moved inland and will affect many people even outside of the Gulf Coast. Kentucky is in the path of the storm as it continues to weaken and become a post-tropical system later today. Instead of a wind threat, we will be looking at abundant rainfall in just a couple of days due to the storm. The storm sits in northeastern Louisiana this morning but will cross the Mississippi shortly and be on a path through northern Mississippi, Middle Tennessee and eventually into Central Kentucky. Wind will be a non-issue with the storm, but rain may be. Rain showers will push north through the day today with the first consistent rain band making it to the Bluegrass by midday. The southern counties will then get periodical showers as we wait for the next batch to arrive. Scattered showers will be the case later today. The UK game will feature rain, but the chances dwindle as the game goes on. The next consistent rain band will arrive early Sunday morning and this one will bring a lot more rain. Heavy rain showers will continue through the morning and into the mid-afternoon, especially for southern counties. The last of Delta’s rain will move out late Sunday, leaving only clouds. All said and done, we will pick up between 0.50” and 2.00” of rainfall with localized amounts ranging between 2.50” and 3.00.” Only minor flooding is expected due to the dry spell we’ve been in. Most rivers and streams can take the added rainfall. That being said, watch for high water as some showers and storms may put down a lot of rain in a short period of time. The flood threat will lower as we move into Monday. A cold front will slide through but rain is expected to be minimal and only add about a trace or a few tenths of an inch to the Delta totals.
