PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — In an effort to manage downstream water levels following Thursday’s heavy rainfall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently under orders to release only a minimal amount of water from Dewey Dam at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. As a result, many roads around Dewey Lake will be covered in water.

At 2:30 p.m. Friday, water levels at the lake stood at just below 655 feet, which is nearly 10 feet higher than than normal winter levels and 5 feet above summer pool. As rainfall continues drain from the surrounding area, the Corps says the lake is expected to crest at 666 feet within the next 48 hours.

Dewey Lake is a flood control project, designed to hold back water during periods of heavy rainfall, but doing so has an impact on the area surrounding the lake. At current levels, the Terry launch ramp is underwater and Route 194 near German Bridge is blocked. As the lake level continues to rise, water will cover the Brandykeg launch ramp, block access to May Lodge, cover the German Bridge campground, and block Route 302.