The National Weather Service predicts strong storms in Kentucky through this week and the weekend. It could help alleviate a statewide drought. The state climatologist’s office and Energy and Environment Cabinet formally issued a Level 1 Drought Declaration Monday. Parts of western and central Kentucky are particularly affected. Tropical Storm Helena is expected to touch down in Florida as a Hurricane Thursday. National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Reaugh says remnants of the storm could move further inland. “A lot of our money is on Helene, the storm that’s forming over the Gulf of Mexico as we speak, hoping that’ll come up into the Ohio Valley and give us some rain,” Reaugh said. “We had Francine come ashore into Louisiana a couple weeks ago, and that moved north and brought us some rain.” Reaugh warns heavy rain could cause flooding issues, and to keep cautious around the end of the week. ** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation. The post Remnants of Tropical Storm Helene could move into Kentucky, help lessen drought appeared first on The Lexington Times.