Paducah, Ky. – Heavy rain is set to impact western Kentucky and the Quad State region starting late Sunday night, with multiple rounds of showers expected to drop 2 to 4 inches of rainfall and raise flooding concerns along major highways by Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, rain will increase Sunday evening, spreading across southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southwest Indiana. A brief rain-snow mix may form north of the I-64 corridor early Monday, but temperatures are expected to rebound quickly. Periodic showers will continue through midweek, with thunderstorms possible from Wednesday through Friday.
Across the region, I-24 from Paducah to Eddyville and I-69 toward Madisonville may experience water pooling during heavier downpours. In southern Illinois, I-57 near Marion and Carbondale could see reduced visibility and standing water, particularly during steady rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. Southeast Missouri, including Cape Girardeau along I-55, may face similar issues as rainfall totals exceed 3 inches in some locations.
In Evansville and Henderson, low-lying roads near the Ohio River could collect runoff if storms repeatedly move over the same areas. Creeks and drainage ditches may rise quickly, especially where soil remains compact following a dry winter.
Temperatures are forecast to climb into the 70s by Tuesday and stay well above early March averages through late week, increasing instability and the chance for additional thunderstorms. Drivers are urged not to attempt crossing water-covered roads and to monitor updates from local emergency management officials. If rainfall intensifies, flood advisories or warnings could be issued before midweek, with river levels potentially rising later in the week.
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