The swift water rescue team of Campbellsville Fire and Rescue worked alongside Kentucky Emergency Management units over the weekend as heavy rains caused flooding across the region.
the team actually divided into three units to ensure coverage at home while deploying to other areas in need of their special skills.
In addition to support in northcentral Kentucky, local rescue crews were busy Sunday in southern Adair County working alongside the Breeding Fire Department.
A state of emergency was declared during the storm in 13 Kentucky counties including Metcalfe, Clinton and Cumberland. Four deaths were reported by state officials.
While low-lying areas were filled with water and some roads were hazardous during the height of the storms, Taylor County was spared some of the more serious situations.
Taylor County received 3.37 inches of rainfall at the Kentucky Mesonet reporting station between Thursday and Sunday. On Saturday. 2.6 inches fell with most of it coming in a 90-minute window in the late morning hours.
A new weather concern followed the flood emergency as summertime highs arrived. Heat advisories and heat warnings have been issued for the region.
The National Weather Service says the local area can experience dangerously hot conditions with peak heat index values between 100 and 115 degrees. Despite the forecast of milder overnight temperatures, forecasters say little relief is expected from the hot and humid conditions throughout the region.
Taylor County also has had seven consecutive day in which humidity levels reached 100 percent, according to the Mesonet readings.
The heat warning issued by the National Weather Service is scheduled to remain in effect until 9 p.m. Friday.
During these conditions, people are advised to rink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned area when possible and out of the sun.
When outdoors, wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothes is recommended. Strenuous activities outside, including mowing, should be limited to cooler early morning or evening hours.
The advisory also warns against leaving young children and pets in unattended vehicles which can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.Residents also are urged to check on family members including elderly residents who could be more likely to succumb to a heat-related illness because of health conditions or medication.
