Winds create travel problems: large vehicles can tip over, traffic lights can swing

Bowling Green, Ky.-Gov. Andy Bescher has declared a severe weather emergency.

“After what we’ve been through, I believe in over-preparing, prepare for the worst, hope for the best,” Bescher said.

Friday’s storms are the most damaging winds.

“When we see 50 mph or 60 mph winds, that’s pretty serious,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 PO Wes Watt.

These types of headwinds affect motor travel, especially for large cars – many of which are overturned today.

“All vehicles are vulnerable, but trailers, especially if they’re empty or don’t have a heavy load in them, can definitely overturn,” Watt said.

Also, be careful when approaching connected traffic lights.

“They can blow them back, turn them around,” Watt said.

These lights are near Lovers Lane, Scottsville Road and South Warren High School.

“The signal doesn’t have to go the other way, it just blows up and the viewing angle is covered and you can’t tell if it’s green or red or what. Don’t assume you have a green light if you don’t see it,” Watt said.

One good thing that came out of this storm – no flooding – although that was expected.

“You know it’s always difficult to predict with these storms, one of the reasons is how fast the storm moves. When it moves as fast as this one, it doesn’t take long for the rain to form and accumulate, even if it’s really intense, said WKU associate professor of geosciences and director of Human Geoenvironmental Studies (CHNGES).