Hurricane Harvey Causes River Closures At Mammoth Cave

Edmonson Voice file photo.

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., August 31, 2017 – Mammoth Cave National Park Chief Ranger Lora Peppers announced today that the park has closed Green and Nolin Rivers within its boundary to all craft in readiness for a high water threat from Tropical Storm Harvey. The weather system, which has caused catastrophic flooding in Texas and Louisiana, is expected to dump 4-6 inches of rain in western Kentucky between Thursday and Saturday.

"Forecasts show the potential for very heavy rain over the next few days," Peppers said. "If that happens, we would likely see a quick rise in the river. We'd hate to have visitors on the water in those conditions."

In addition to closing the Green and Nolin Rivers in the park to navigation, the park has also closed Dennison Ferry Day-Use Area, and has suspended issuing all floodplain and river island camping permits.

These closures will remain in place until further notice, Peppers said.

"If we're lucky and Harvey misses us, we'll be back to business as usual," she said, "but if not, don't put your life at risk in rising water."

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