LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Just days after tornadoes tore through Kentucky, Louisville officials are urging residents to prepare for more severe weather predicted through the rest of the week. 

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said one of the most important things you can do now is to sign up for emergency notifications by texting "LensAlert" to 67283. Once you've signed up, you'll be notified about severe weather so you don't have to rely on hearing warning sirens.

It's also a good idea to make sure you have flashlights and batteries. Keep phones and other devices fully charged, and try to have three days' worth of water and non-perishable food on hand. 

Drivers are again reminded not to drive through standing water. Just six inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road. 

"This is a serious issue we're coming into the next four to five days," said Louisville Metro Emergency Services Executive Director Jody Meiman during a news conference Tuesday. 

With several inches of rain and more severe weather in the forecast this week, it's important to take precautions.

Meiman also said it's important to make sure storm drains remain clear. 

Louisville MSD crews were out clearing a creek in the Bon Air neighborhood Tuesday afternoon.

"Creeks and streams come into play and they can fill up very quickly so we want to make sure there's no obstructions, helping that water flow along and it will all eventually get to the Ohio River," said MSD Communications Director Sheryl Lauder. 

High winds are also a concern, which may lead to potential power outages.

Metro EMS reminded residents to have backup plans for things like refrigerated medication or sump pumps in case of losing power.

At this time, Mayor Greenberg said flood walls have not been installed in Louisville, but water levels will be monitored along with the Army Corps of Engineers.

If you come across flooding in the Metro area, MSD reminds people to report it to "311" or the MSD hotline 520-540-6000. 

Businesses, homeowners prepare for flooding

Louisville businesses are battening down the hatches as another round of storms heads to the area on Wednesday, forecasted to bring heavy rainfall with flooding possible.

Businesses along the Ohio River in Louisville, like Captain's Quarters, have become accustomed to preparing for flooding. Historic flooding is marked on the restaurant's walls. 

Just six weeks ago, Captain's Quarters had about 2 1/2 feet of water in the restaurant. But this time, they could get as much as 6 1/2 feet of water.

Just days after tornadoes tore through Kentucky, Louisville officials are urging residents to prepare for more severe weather predicted through the rest of the week.

Co-owner Andrew Masterson said they plan for the worst and hope for the best.

"It's frustrating, but it's part of life on the river as everybody that lives and works on the river knows this is just the way it goes," Masterson said.

But, the preparation comes at a time when the restaurant has begun to plan for a busy spring and summer. 

"You know, we were getting excited, ready for Derby time and summer," Masterson said. "We already had mulch out, laying down new sod. We were ready to go thinking we got the flood behind us but now we have another one. Mother nature doesn't always follow our plans, and she kind of makes up her own, so it's okay."

The restaurant is planning on having dinner service Wednesday night, and then workers will pack up the inside furniture and equipment in semi trucks and move it all to higher ground.

The restaurant will likely be closed a week before the water recedes.

In addition to businesses, homeowners in the area are also bracing for storms and flooding. The main thing homeowners can do to prepare is to make sure your sump pump is working.

Alex Holley, President of B-Dry and Ram Jack, suggests homeowners get a sucker pump and hose, which pumps water out of your basement. 

If you do get some water, there are things you can do to prevent it from happening in the future. Holley said you can buy a battery back up for the sump pump, which ensures the sump pump will continue to work even if the power is out. He said there is no need for a full on generator. 

"Even though your sump pump was working, without power, it won't work," Holley said. "This actually steps in and causes it, you know, to work so that you're still pumping water out of your home with that battery backup."

Area Emergency Shelters 

Residents across the area are still recovering after five tornadoes touched down in four Kentucky counties on Sunday. No serious injuries were reported, but trees and power lines were toppled, and homes and other property were damaged.

As the area prepares for more storms Wednesday, many counties in the Kentuckiana area are setting up emergency shelters.

In Bullitt County, the Emergency Management Agency said several shelters will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday and will serve as a tornado shelter and flooding evacuation shelter, if necessary. For additional information, call 502-543-2000. 

  • North Bullitt High School, 3200 E. Hebron Lane 
  • Bullitt East High School, 11450 Highway 44 E
  • Lebanon Junction Elementary, 10920 S. Preston Highway 
  • Nichols Elementary, 10665 Highway 44 W
  • Roby Elementary, 1148 Highway 44 E
    • Shepherdsville City Hall, 634 Conestoga Parkway, will be utilized if Roby is at full capacity.

In Breckinridge County, the Old Courthouse at 208 S. Main Street, Hardinsburg, will be open as a storm shelter. 

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