Merry Christmas, everyone! I’m not going to spend a lot of time on this particular post, but will have a bigger update later in the day. The main point to emphasize is the same point I’ve talked about for a week… this is a setup for a flood event for the Ohio and Tennessee River Valleys.
Heavy rain and some thunder returns to the area today. This will continue into tonight and, at least, early Saturday. The Hi Res NAM has some ugly totals for a many areas during this time…
The regular run of the NAM is more widespread with the heavy rains, but not as off the charts with the totals. This shows a widespread 1″-3″ rain today and Saturday…
Even there, you can see the model is still trying to indicate a corridor of heavier rain across the central and eastern parts of the state. Flooding and flash flooding will be possible today and Saturday.
The same can be said for Sunday and Monday as our storm system works into the region with a ton of rain…
A setup like that can easily put down 1″-3″ with locally higher amounts. That’s on top of what we pick up on today and Saturday.
Between now and Monday night… much of the state could receive anywhere from 2″-8″ of rain. Significant flood issues are a possibility for some areas over the next several days.
Last weekend I posted about this setup and how I didn’t like what I was seeing… especially with a large temperature gradient possibly setting up around here. That wild temp gradient is about to become a reality…
That setup during the cold weather season is how you get flood events across the Ohio and Tennessee River Valleys.
This is also the type of setup that leads to a pattern flip and that’s exactly what happens as it exits. Winter flips the switch. I would love to focus more on that because there is a lot to talk about with that, but nothing should be taking away from the potential high water issues we could be facing.
So much for me not writing much in this post. Seems to be a habit. I leave you with your tracking toys…
I leave you with your Christmas Eve Trackers…
I will update things later today and will be doing my normal weather duties on WKYT-TV this evening. Merry Christmas and take care.
Merry Xmas Chris! And to all the other weather posters as well. Be careful in your travels this weekend.
Merry Christmas and y’all please all be safe. Chris, thank you again for this blog. It has provided so much knowledge and not the pedantic crud you hear from NWS or most locals. I am in WKY so I am sure you understand. Best to you and yours!
Merry Christmas to all! Let’s hope the rain totals are on the lower end for folks 🙂
Thanks Chris for the update even on Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I appreciate the time you’re giving to this blog during the holidays Chris. I check here several times a day mainly because I’m a worry wart when it comes to the weather AND I enjoy reading everyones comments too. MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.
Thanks Chris and Merry Christmas to you and all my fellow weather lovers! Please be careful if travelling today. Water ponding on roads can cause hydro planing in a heartbeat! Have a wonderful Christmas and remember why we celebrate.
Merry Christmas Chris! Even though I live in central WV I still read your posts on almost a daily basis just because of the amazing job you do!
Merry Christmas! Thank you for the blog and all you do to keep us informed.
As bad as this is, at least it isn’t 40 degrees, as cold rain is awful.
Also, my friend Quint says we’re going to need a much bigger ark than what’s being planned. In fairness, he’s weird and always says that about boats.
As mentioned above, PLEASE take your driving seriously if you have to go out over the next few days. Expect that all the cars around you on the road woke up to coal in their gloveboxes for being bad drivers, and you’ll do just fine!
Use the rain as an excuse to dust off some board games, fire up some movies, kill your kids mercilessly in Halo or MarioKart, or start up one of those cutthroat family games of penny poker (“omg Granny isn’t senile ’cause she’s cheating!”) to take your mind off of the crappy holiday weather.
A Joyful Yule for all!
Merry Christmas to all here. Thanks Chris for a great gift in this blog and for all your hard work.
I am so glad we go to the in-laws on Christmas eve instead of today. It is pouring it out there and it looks foggy. Of course that goes with soggy. Just glad it is not cold.
Merry Christmas, Chris and fellow commenters. Just imagine if it was cold enough how much snow it would be. Oh well, one can dream.
It’s hard to believe, but the last time Louisville and Lexington saw a white Christmas, with measurable snow on the ground, was 2010 I think.
Merry Christmas to all. Thanks, Chris for all you do.
Serious ponding around our property.
Please be safe if you have to travel. Flooding can be very tricky.
Go Big Blue!
Merry Chris, and thanks for the blog. I visit it several times a day. Merry Christmas to all of my fellow blog readers.
Live far western part of state no rain has fall here since last nite. As matter of fact the sun is out. Merry Christmas to all!!
WOW, is all I have to say about this pattern and where it is heading. Merry Christmas CB and to all of my weather friends on the blog!