A band of thunderstorms became stationary from west to east across the southern portion of western Kentucky. The storms were fed by a rather strong west-southwest low level jet up to 40 knots. A surface cold front became stationary across western Kentucky, providing a focus for the storms. Steering winds aloft were nearly parallel to the front. Excessive rainfall occurred in a few locations.

Heavy Rain in CALDWELL, KENTUCKY
From 09-MAY-09 00:00:00 to 09-MAY-09 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRIENDSHIP
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The 24-hour rainfall total ending at 7 A.M. May 9th was 1.89 inches.

Flood in MARSHALL, KENTUCKY
From 09-MAY-09 10:00:00 to 10-MAY-09 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

The Clarks River flooded after a series of heavy downpours on the 8th and 9th. A young boy who was allowed to play in Clarks River floodwaters was rescued unhurt. The boy drifted about 1,500 feet before he was pulled into a rescue boat.

Flash Flood in CARLISLE, KENTUCKY
From 09-MAY-09 00:30:00 to 09-MAY-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINNFORD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A bridge approach was washed out on Kentucky 1741 near the intersection with Kentucky 1022. U.S. Highway 62 was open to traffic but restricted to one lane at mile markers 3 and 10. Several roads had water over them, making them impassable in places. These roads included Highways 408, 1016, 1087, and 1031.

Flash Flood in CHRISTIAN, KENTUCKY
From 08-MAY-09 23:00:00 to 09-MAY-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MERRITTSTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Flooding was reported in several places in Hopkinsville, including spots on Canton Pike, Fort Campbell Boulevard, and West Seventh Street. Water was over at least a few other roads, including one lane of Highway 68/80 East at Western State Hospital. The 24-hour rainfall total from a spotter on the northeast side of Hopkinsville was 3.40 inches. A co-operative observer near Fort Campbell reported 3.82 inches over the same time period.

Flash Flood in GRAVES, KENTUCKY
From 09-MAY-09 00:40:00 to 09-MAY-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOWES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

County officials reported some flooding problems in the city of Mayfield. State police reported water over Highways 348 East, 849 West, and 408 East. A secondary road just east of Lowes was washed out. A co-operative observer in Mayfield measured a 24-hour rainfall total of 3.20 inches.

Flash Flood in TRIGG, KENTUCKY
From 08-MAY-09 23:30:00 to 09-MAY-09 02:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: TRIGG FURNACE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several roads were impassable due to flooding, including Highways 274 and 276. A co-operative observer at Cadiz measured a 24-hour rainfall total of 3.77 inches. Another co-op observer about four miles southwest of Cadiz measured 2.65 inches.

Flash Flood in MARSHALL, KENTUCKY
From 08-MAY-09 23:30:00 to 09-MAY-09 04:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OLIVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Considerable flooding was reported, mostly in Benton and in southern areas of the county. Numerous homes and businesses were flooded, especially in and around Benton. A shopping plaza containing a newspaper, restaurant, and tax business was flooded with four inches of rushing water. Numerous roads were covered by water, including Highway 408. Some places in Benton were under three to four feet of water. Vehicles were half submerged in parking lots. Benton firefighters rescued numerous motorists whose vehicles stalled in floodwaters. At least two families were evacuated from flooded homes. Highway 348 outside Benton was impassable. In northwest parts of the county, a portion of Elva Road was washed out. Near Gilbertsville, a bridge on a secondary road was submerged. A co-operative observer at Aurora measured a 24-hour rainfall total of 4.34 inches.

Flash Flood in CALLOWAY, KENTUCKY
From 09-MAY-09 01:08:00 to 09-MAY-09 05:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HICO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Water was over the roadway at Highway 94 East and Highway 497. A co-operative observer in east central Calloway County measured 2.77 inches.