Cincinnati, Ohio – Significant snowmelt across the Ohio Valley is raising river levels today, though flooding risk remains low, according to the National Weather Service.
The Ohio River Forecast Center reported Tuesday that a large snowpack across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and parts of West Virginia is forecast to melt rapidly over the next 24 hours as temperatures climb well above seasonal averages. Modeled snow depth imagery shows widespread reduction in snow cover by Wednesday morning, signaling a sharp increase in runoff into regional waterways.
According to the National Weather Service, rivers and streams throughout the Ohio Valley will begin to rise as the snowmelt moves through the hydrologic system. Forecasters expect modest river rises, not major flooding, during this initial melt period. Officials emphasized that the overall flood threat remains low through the end of the week, provided additional rainfall does not materialize sooner than expected.
The impacts will be most noticeable along the Ohio River and its tributaries near major population centers and transportation corridors, including areas near Interstate 71 in Ohio, Interstate 64 in Kentucky and Indiana, and Interstate 75 in southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky. Low-lying river access points, boat ramps, and riverside roads may experience higher water levels.
The Ohio River Forecast Center cautioned that conditions could change heading into the weekend. Another rainfall event is currently forecast, which could compound runoff if rivers have not fully receded by that time.
Residents, commuters, and river users are advised to remain aware of changing water conditions, especially near waterways and flood-prone crossings. Updated river forecasts and water level information are available at weather.gov/ohrfc.
