Flood 2011

The Flood of 2011 affected a lot of people and Matt and I were thankful we had the opportunity to help those in need.   Below is a write-up from the Paducah Sun. 

For most City of Paducah departments and divisions, work schedules are back to normal. Paducah is prepared for the rising Ohio River. Earlier this week, the Parks Maintenance crews were working alongside several other city crews to install floodgates. Today with the floodgates in place, the Parks crews are trying to get a handle on the rapidly growing grassy areas in parks and right-of-ways.

However, for the floodwall division and other divisions of the Engineering-Public Works Department, their work continues as crews monitor forecasts, pumps, and the minor water seepage at the floodgates. All 12 of the City’s pump stations are running and are being manned 24 hours a day. Last night, crews were able to finish the installation of the pumps near Lydon Road adjacent to the Interstate-24 exit 11 interchange. Those pumps are pumping water over the floodwall.

The current forecast for the Ohio River indicates the river cresting at Paducah next Tuesday at 53 feet. Flood stage is 39 feet. The current stage is 50.17 feet with little change from Wednesday afternoon’s stage. City Engineer-Public Works Director Rick Murphy says, “Everything is status quo. We have switched from installation mode to observation mode.”

In two days, the City of Paducah installed 37 of its 47 floodgates. Today, crews are monitoring the river forecast, pumps, and other flood protection features. City Engineer-Public Works Director Rick Murphy says, “As of 2:00 p.m. today, the City of Paducah is prepared for the current crest of 53 feet that is forecasted by the National Weather Service.” The final floodgates are necessary to close only if the Ohio is projected to crest higher than 53 feet. The current forecast is holding with a crest on the Ohio River at Paducah next Tuesday at 53 feet, which is two feet lower than the crest projected earlier this week. If the City of Paducah did not have a floodwall, a flood stage of 53 feet would mean that water would be three feet deep on Broadway.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Coleman Road has been activated. Evacuations in the County have occurred on Noble Road and West Hovecamp. The Red Cross has set up a shelter for evacuees at Margaret Hank Cumberland Presbyterian Church. McCracken County Emergency Management Director Paul Carter stresses the importance of staying informed since additional severe weather and flash flooding are expected over the next few days.

City and County residents interested in knowing the location of the 100 year flood plain as mapped from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can access the information through the City of Paducah website at www.paducahky.gov. Click on the “Maps” link on the left side of the homepage. Users of this mapping service can search for an address or a road and view the location in relation to the 100 year flood plain. Instructions on how to use the map can be found by clicking the help link at the top right of the map page.