Cincinnati, Ohio – A slow-moving cold front is expected to bring widespread rain and potential flooding across the Ohio Valley through Thursday, with parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia at risk for more than 2 inches of rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service Ohio River Forecast Center, a line of showers and thunderstorms will begin pushing into the western basin Wednesday night, delivering 0.25 to 0.5 inches of rain by Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, rainfall is forecast to intensify over eastern portions of the valley, with an additional 0.5 to 0.75 inches likely.
The region could see higher rainfall totals due to multiple storm rounds and enhanced terrain runoff. Urban areas and low-lying zones are most vulnerable to localized flash flooding, especially in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia.
Motorists are urged to use caution on water-covered roadways and delay non-essential travel if flooding occurs. Residents should clear storm drains and secure outdoor items ahead of the heaviest rain bands.
Rain chances will taper off by late Thursday, but more advisories may be issued if saturation leads to ongoing runoff and river rises into the weekend.
