Wilmington, Ohio – Communities across the Ohio River Basin should prepare for several days of soaking rainfall, with the heaviest totals expected across the southern portion of the basin where flash flooding could develop before rivers begin responding.
According to the National Weather Service Ohio River Forecast Center, widespread rainfall through the next five days is expected to total 2 to 4 inches, with locally higher amounts possible in stronger thunderstorms. The greatest rainfall is forecast across southern Illinois, southern Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, increasing the potential for flash flooding in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.
While widespread river flooding is not currently anticipated, forecasters say river levels will continue to rise. Portions of western Indiana and eastern Illinois already have slightly elevated river levels, and some forecast points could reach action stage during the next 10 days. Action stage signals elevated waterways that can begin affecting parks, agricultural land and flood-prone infrastructure, even before official flood stage is reached.
Residents in flood-prone locations should monitor local forecasts, avoid driving across water-covered roads and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions during periods of heavy rainfall. Those living near creeks, streams and rivers should be prepared for water levels to rise quickly after repeated rounds of rain.
Additional river forecasts and any flood watches or warnings will be issued by the National Weather Service as rainfall continues across the Ohio River Basin through early next week.
