University of Kentucky Launches Initiative to Combat Climate Change and Flash Flooding in Eastern Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky is embarking on a four-year project aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and flash flooding in Eastern Kentucky. This initiative, titled “The Flooding in Appalachian Streams and Headwaters Initiative”, seeks to develop technologies and early warning systems to better prepare communities for flooding events.

In 2022, devastating floods hit Eastern Kentucky, with 14 to 16 inches of rain falling from July 25 to 29 across 13 counties, resulting in the deadliest non-tropical flood event in the U.S. since the late 1970s. This catastrophe claimed the lives of 45 people, destroyed 9,000 homes, and displaced hundreds of families.

Dr. Kenton L. Sena, co-principal investigator and senior lecturer at UK’s Lewis Honors College, emphasized the project’s goal: to provide timely warnings to residents before floods strike. “If we understand the environmental conditions in the ground and can predict upcoming rainfall, we will be able to give folks a pretty timely warning that is unique to their place,” Sena explained.

The interdisciplinary team includes civil engineers, environmental scientists, and social scientists from multiple universities, including the University of Kentucky (UK) and Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). Researchers will utilize 50 years of stream flow and precipitation data from the Robinson Forest, a teaching and research forest.

In addition to technical research, the project plans to engage local schools through educational programming. “We are working with some folks in forestry extension to develop and deliver some field days for middle school students in Eastern Kentucky,” Sena noted. This initiative will focus on surface reforestation and educating students about the role of forests in the water cycle, which can help mitigate flooding.

The project aims to initiate its studies this year, with plans to collaborate with Eastern Kentucky schools within the next two years. “It’s sort of a wake-up call, highlighting the need to better understand how flooding works in this region and to couple that understanding with practical tools to improve public safety,” Sena added.

As Eastern Kentucky continues to recover from the impacts of last year’s floods, this initiative represents a proactive approach to preventing future disasters and safeguarding local communities.