University of Kentucky Researchers Tackle Flash Flooding in Eastern Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky – A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky has embarked on a significant four-year initiative aimed at understanding and mitigating the impacts of flash flooding in Eastern Kentucky, a region still recovering from devastating floods in late July 2022. This project is motivated by the need to enhance preparedness for future flooding events stemming from unprecedented weather patterns exacerbated by climate change.

The National Weather Service reported that from July 25 to July 29, 2022, up to 16 inches of rainfall inundated 13 counties, resulting in the deadliest nontropical flood event in the United States in decades. Tragically, the floods claimed 45 lives and displaced hundreds of families while destroying approximately 9,000 homes.

Dr. Christopher Barton, the principal investigator of the project, secured nearly $1.1 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation to conduct research in the economically vulnerable Appalachian region. “Rural communities, especially those in this region, are particularly susceptible to flash floods,” Barton stated. “Our goal is to understand how climate change and landscape alterations affect these events, allowing us to develop improved infrastructure for prediction and preparation.”

Titled “The Flooding in Appalachian Streams and Headwaters Initiative,” this collaborative project involves civil engineers, environmental scientists, and social scientists from several academic institutions, including the University of Louisville, Eastern Kentucky University, West Virginia University, and Marshall University. The research will focus on small headwater streams in Appalachia.

Dr. James Fox, a co-principal investigator and professor of civil engineering, emphasized the objective of creating better early warning systems: “Using new models and strategically placed sensors, we aim to analyze regional flooding and engage community insights for actionable data on terrain-specific flash flood issues.”

The project will utilize data from the Robinson Forest, which has monitored climate patterns for over 50 years, collecting critical information about precipitation, streamflow, and temperature variations. “This comprehensive climate record will enhance our understanding of flash flooding mechanisms and their downstream impacts,” noted Dr. Kenton L. Sena, another co-principal investigator involved in the initiative.

In addition to its research objectives, the initiative will provide educational outreach in local schools, helping teachers develop science programming and initiate tree-planting efforts that can ultimately mitigate flood risks.

This funding represents a portion of the National Science Foundation’s $77.8 million investment across 14 new projects nationwide, aimed at supporting interdisciplinary teams and bolstering climate resilience in communities disproportionately affected by climate change.

As Eastern Kentucky continues its recovery journey, this research promises to lay the groundwork for better flood management, community resilience, and science-based education in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.