The National Weather Service in Paducah has extended a Flash Flood Warning for portions of southern Illinois and western Kentucky as heavy rainfall continues to produce observed flash flooding across the region. The warning includes Crittenden County, KY; Livingston County, KY; Hardin County, IL; Johnson County, IL; Massac County, IL; Pope County, IL; and eastern Union County, IL. Officials report that flooding is already occurring or expected to worsen as additional rain moves through saturated areas.
Areas Under the Flash Flood Warning
Kentucky
- Crittenden County
- Livingston County
Illinois
- Hardin County
- Johnson County
- Massac County
- Pope County
- Eastern Union County
Source: Observed Flooding
This warning is based on observed conditions, with reports from local law enforcement confirming flooding impacts. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have already fallen across portions of the warned area, with an additional 0.5 to 1 inch of rainfall possible. Flooding is affecting small creeks, streams, roadways, low-water crossings, and other poor drainage locations.
Communities That May Experience Flooding
Communities that could be impacted include:
- Metropolis
- Marion
- Vienna
- Rosiclare
- Goreville
- Brookport
- Salem
- Dongola
- Golconda
- Dixon Springs
- Burna
- Ledbetter
- Cave-in-Rock
- Smithland
- Elizabethtown
- Joppa
- Lake of Egypt area
Residents in flood-prone locations should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions as waterways continue to rise.
Saturated Ground Increasing Flood Risk
Southern Illinois and western Kentucky have experienced multiple rounds of heavy rainfall over recent days, leaving soils saturated. With another round of thunderstorms expected, runoff will occur much more quickly, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding even if rainfall amounts are lower than previous storms. The National Weather Service also continues to maintain a broader Flood Watch across much of the region through late tonight as additional storms may produce another 0.75 to 2 inches of rainfall.
Flash Flood Safety Tips
- Never drive across flooded roadways.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown®—water depth and road damage are often impossible to judge.
- Move to higher ground immediately if flooding develops.
- Stay away from creeks, streams, drainage ditches, and rapidly rising water.
- Continue monitoring official weather alerts throughout the day.
Conditions may change rapidly as additional thunderstorms develop. Residents across southern Illinois and western Kentucky should remain weather aware and be prepared to act immediately if flooding worsens.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
