Rowan County Emergency Management

05/27/2026

We’ve received several questions regarding Rowan Alert / Everbridge notifications from yesterday’s storms.

Yesterday, no National Weather Service warning polygons were issued directly for Rowan County. Warnings remained primarily to our west and south, so Rowan Alert did not send warning notifications within Rowan County. Since the system went live in May, Rowan County has fortunately not yet had a warning polygon issued requiring an alert activation.

The system operated as intended.

It is important to remember that neighboring counties may receive warnings while Rowan County does not. Seeing warnings nearby on television, social media, or weather apps does not always mean Rowan County itself is under a warning.

We encourage residents to use multiple ways to receive weather information, including:
• Rowan Alert
• NOAA Weather Radios
• Trusted weather apps
• Local media

If you do not feel your residence is a safe place to shelter during severe weather, please make arrangements ahead of time to stay with a friend, family member, or someone else with a safer structure before storms arrive.

We appreciate everyone’s feedback as we continue improving emergency communications within Rowan County.

Sign up link

https://member.everbridge.net/index/76589467435147

05/27/2026

5/26/26 10:15 PM Weather Update

Thunderstorms are moving into the area from the west bringing periods of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and a small chance of hail. Wind gusts are expected to generally remain below 40 MPH.

10:45PM Update
Approximately 900 Fleming-Mason Energy meters are currently without power on the western side of Rowan County, generally from the I64 corridor area toward US 60.

At this time, the estimated restoration time is unknown.

Please remember to treat all downed power lines as energized.

05/16/2026

A second round of storms will likely move through this evening, mainly near the I-64 corridor in eastern Kentucky. The storms are expected to be in clusters, with damaging wind the primary threat. While isolated large hail and a brief tornado cannot be completely ruled out, confidence in these are much lower.

05/15/2026

Rowan Alert – Sign Up Today

Rowan County has officially transitioned from the Rave alert system to Everbridge, our new emergency notification platform.

This upgraded system, will provide important notifications such as:

• Tornado Warnings
• Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
• Flash Flood Warnings
• Snow and Ice Advisories
• Road Closures due to construction
• Other emergency notifications affecting your area

Important: Even if you were previously signed up for Rave/Reverse 911, you must register again in Everbridge to continue receiving alerts.

Rowan Alert is:
• Location-based
• Free to residents
• Customizable (text, call, and email options)
• Designed to avoid unnecessary notifications

We strongly encourage residents to create an account using the link below so alerts can be tailored as accurately as possible to your location and notification preferences.

Sign up here:
https://member.everbridge.net/index/76589467435147

If you do not have time to create a full account right now, you can still receive limited updates by texting:

• ROWANWEATHER to 888777 for weather alerts
• ROWANROADS to 888777 for road alerts

While texting these keywords will provide important updates, creating a full account provides more accurate, location-based notifications specific to your area.

We encourage all residents to take a few minutes to sign up and stay informed.

By working together and staying informed, we continue strengthening preparedness across Rowan County.

04/28/2026

04/28/2026

Update 302AM: The Tornado Warning has been CANCELLED per National Weather Service Jackson at 302AM. Radar indicated rotation around Salt Lick proceeding towards Rowan. As it entered Rowan it weakened.

A Tornado Warning remains in effect until 3:15 AM for southern Rowan County and east central Bath County.

At approximately 2:47 AM, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Zilpo, about 7 miles south of Morehead, moving east at 45 mph.

This storm is capable of producing a tornado. Flying debris will be dangerous to anyone without shelter. Mobile homes may be heavily damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees is likely.

Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.

Do not wait. Act immediately to protect yourself and your family.

04/28/2026

4/27/2026 10PM Update

Storms are beginning to move into the area from the west. This initial round is expected to be weaker, with a stronger round anticipated later tonight around 3 AM.

Please remain weather aware through the night and ensure you have a reliable way to receive alerts, such as weather apps or emergency notifications.

Impacts may include wind gusts up to 40 mph and periods of heavy rainfall.

04/17/2026