Weather

Lexington placed under a flood watch Tuesday afternoon. What to know

Lexington Herald-Leader · Jul 21, 2026 18:23 · 3 min read

Lexington placed under a flood watch Tuesday afternoon. What to know — Lexington was put under a flood watch from 1 p.m. until late tonight by the National Weather Service. National Weather Service

Flooding may cause excessive runoff that can further flood rivers, creeks, streams or other low-lying, flood-prone areas, including streets.

The National Weather Service put Fayette County under a flood watch starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, until “late tonight.”

Thirty-three other KY counties are included in the watch. Portions of east central, north central and south central Kentucky are at risk for floods during the afternoon storms.

Lexington is under an enhanced risk for severe weather, the third-highest risk assessment out of five in the National Weather Service’s storm prediction center, the Herald-Leader reported. Enhanced risk implies a greater concentration of severe thunderstorms with varying levels of intensity.

Being placed under a flood watch means conditions are “favorable” for flooding, but not guaranteed.

No action is needed during a flood watch, however, preparations should be in place.

A flood warning is issued when the hazardous weather event or flooding is about to or already happening.

Flooding may cause excessive runoff that can further flood rivers, creeks, streams or other low-lying, flood-prone areas. The NWS said extensive street flooding is also possible.

Dangers of flooding

Floods are the number one cause of death associated with thunderstorms, with more than 90 fatalities reported each year, according to the NWS.

Director of the Lexington-Fayette Division of Emergency Management, Rob Larkin, said it is important to keep people and cars out of floodwaters, referring to the motto, “turn around, don’t drown.”

“Six inches (of water) can take you off your feet if it’s running,” Larkin said. “12 inches can carry your entire car.”

If you observe water starting to pool and fill an area, go uphill and wait until the area has drained to return. Larkin said floodwaters can contain contaminants such as fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, and sanitary sewer and animal waste.

While flooding varies based on a storm’s intensity and region, there are areas that are more prone to flooding - particularly toward the periphery of Fayette County - in the event of a storm like the one Lexington is forecast to see.

In the event of severe weather, the NWS encourages everyone to check the forecast regularly, listen to the local news or NOAA Weather Radio, and check Weather-Ready Nation for tips.

Other tips from the NWS to stay safe during severe weather:

Sign up for weather notifications.
Create a communication plan with your family.
Practice your plan.
Prepare your home by securing loose items and keeping trees and branches trimmed.

The NWS has four steps to take in the event of severe thunderstorms: Get in, get down, cover up and remain calm.

There are no safe spaces outdoors when a severe thunderstorm is nearby, so it is best to find shelter as soon as possible.

Fayette County areas that typically flood with heavy rain

Seven of Fayette County’s nine watersheds begin in the middle of Lexington, keeping flood risks lower in the center of the city. But farther out, toward the periphery of the county, floods are more commonly observed, said Rob Larkin, director of the Lexington-Fayette Division of Emergency Management.

Flooding is Kentucky’s number one hazard state-wide, according to Larkin, but Lexington’s environment puts the city in a “decent spot.” This does not mean the center of Lexington is exempt from flooding.

Here are some areas in Fayette County most prone to flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

Alexandria Drive near Old Frankfort Pike and Leestown Road
Near Wolf Run Creek
N Broadway railroad overpass
S Forbes Road between W Main Street and W High Street
Citation Boulevard near Leestown Road
Calumet, Cardinal Valley, Colony and Gardenside neighborhoods off of Versailles Road
Lafayette Parkway near the Southland Drive and Rosemont Garden intersection
Belleay Woods Park
Buena Vista Road off of Winchester Road
Idle Hour Park
New Circle Road between Newtown Pike and US-68
Joyland neighborhood off of US-68
Armstrong Mill Road and Greentree Road intersection