LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Just days after tornadoes tore through Kentucky, Louisville officials are urging residents to prepare for more severe weather predicted through the rest of the week.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said one of the most important things you can do now is to sign up for emergency notifications by texting “LensAlert” to 67283. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be notified about severe weather so you don’t have to rely on hearing warning sirens.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have flashlights and batteries. Keep phones and other devices fully charged, and try to have three days’ worth of water and non-perishable food on hand.
Drivers are again reminded not to drive through standing water. Just six inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.
“This is a serious issue we’re coming into the next four to five days,” said Louisville Metro Emergency Services Executive Director Jody Meiman during a news conference Tuesday.
Meiman also said it’s important to make sure storm drains remain clear.
Louisville MSD crews were out clearing a creek in the Bon Air neighborhood Tuesday afternoon.
“Creeks and streams come into play and they can fill up very quickly so we want to make sure there’s no obstructions, helping that water flow along and it will all eventually get to the Ohio River,” said MSD Communications Director Sheryl Lauder.
High winds are also a concern, which may lead to potential power outages.
Metro EMS reminded residents to have backup plans for things like refrigerated medication or sump pumps in case of losing power.
At this time, Mayor Greenberg said flood walls have not been installed in Louisville, but water levels will be monitored along with the Army Corps of Engineers.
If you come across flooding in the Metro area, MSD reminds people to report it to “311” or the MSD hotline 520-540-6000.
Residents are still recovering after four tornadoes touched down in three Kentucky counties on Sunday. No serious injuries were reported, but trees and power lines were toppled, and homes and other property were damaged.
