WQXE News
The Level One Drought declaration for Kentucky has been removed.
The Office of the State Climatologist and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet say several days of rain brought by the remnants of Hurricane Helene allowed for water to infiltrate into the soil column and return soil moisture to pre-summer levels. The precipitation also eliminated rain deficits and returned streamflows to normal levels.
While the drought declaration has been lifted, Kentuckians are reminded to adhere to the regulations in place for Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season, which is now in effect.
“During that period from October to April is where the forestry service says that you need to stay 150 feet from any wood line or anything like that,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “They have the times where if you’re doing a large fire, clearing brush and stuff, they want you to do it between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. where the temperature is cooler, the air temperature has dropped, and the wind is typically a little calmer in the evenings.”
Crane says never leave any fire unattended. Visit the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s website for more information.
Elizabethtown resident Patrick Mattingly saw the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and decided to help one of the smaller communities impacted by the storm.
“I partnered up with United Way of North Carolina and we’re doing a supply drive, taking any types of donations to take to Jefferson, North Carolina,” Mattingly said. “It’s a little farm town in Ashe County that’s been severely affected by the flood from Hurricane Helene.”
Mattingly is planning on driving a box truck provided to him by Penske to the area on Saturday, so people who would like to contribute can bring items to two locations Friday.
“One is at the E-Town Ace Hardware, and I believe that’s 408 West Dixie Avenue, and another drop-off point is going to be in Louisville for people that may be in Louisville,” Mattingly said. “It’s going to be at 10515 Fischer Park Drive in Louisville, and that is at the KCREA office.”
Mattingly says he has secured donations of water and food, but he is looking for a wider range of needed items.
“Hygiene, baby food, propane bottles,” Mattingly said. “They’re asking for fencing supplies, if anybody could help with that, because these farmers have cattle and livestock that they’re not able to corral, they’re just running wild, and people are already bringing water and food. It’s small things like trash bags and buckets and cleaning materials.”
Ace Hardware in Elizabethtown is open Friday until 8 p.m.
Organizations across the community and across the state are working to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The American Red Cross says this past weekend more than 2,600 people were staying in 69 emergency shelters supported by the Red Cross and other community organizations. Officials say shelter operations will likely need to last for several weeks as disaster assessments are completed. Red Cross volunteers are assisting about 100 people from Kentucky who had homes impacted by the storm.
The Red Cross has issued an appeal for financial donations, blood donations, and donations of time. Visit redcross.org or text HELENE to 90999 to make a monetary donation. You can also find information on the Red Cross website about training requirements to volunteer with the organization.
The Red Cross says more than 1,500 scheduled blood donations in areas impacted by the storm went uncollected, and at a time where the national blood supply is already facing a shortage additional donations are needed to sustain patients and hospitals. Schedule an appointment today at redcrossblood.org.
On the local level, several organizations are running collection drives to send needed items to those impacted. Ride Wright Tire is accepting materials at 2400 Leitchfield Road through October 4 for delivery the next day. The Grayson County Chamber of Commerce is collecting items at their office through October 7. Wills Transport is accepting items at 314 Kitty Hawk Drive through October 11. Items requested include cases of water, socks, gloves, non-perishable food items, pet food, baby care products, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Contact the respective locations for more information.