Louisville, KY – Widespread and life-threatening river flooding is expected to persist across Kentucky through at least Thursday, with major impacts concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, and other river-adjacent communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, historic flooding conditions are unfolding along multiple river systems, including the Ohio, Green, Licking, and Kentucky Rivers. Numerous gauge sites across the state are experiencing major flood stages, with record crests anticipated at locations such as Mumfordville on the Green River and Lockport on the Kentucky River.
Data released early Sunday morning shows elevated water levels continuing into the middle of the week. Record or near-record crests are projected at more than a dozen locations, impacting both urban centers and rural communities. Affected areas include Glencoe, Peaks Mill, High Bridge, Harlan, and McAlpine Locks near downtown Louisville.
As of Sunday morning, rainfall totals across Kentucky remain light—generally under a quarter inch. However, NOAA meteorologists warn that the previous saturation of soil combined with overflowing river basins presents a continued high risk for flooding despite the short-term drying trend expected Monday through Wednesday. Additional rainfall of 0.25 inches is forecast late Wednesday into Thursday night.
The flood risk map indicates major flooding in several counties, with moderate and minor levels spanning the Ohio Valley and into southern Indiana. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green remain central to the alert, with localized alerts expanding into the Cincinnati metro area.
Flooding of this scale is rare, with hydrological gauges showing levels not seen in decades at some sites. Emergency management officials are urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to be prepared for evacuations and have emergency kits ready.
This week’s timeline of concern includes:
- Major flooding ongoing Sunday through Wednesday.
- Dry daylight periods through midweek.
- Light rain Wednesday night through Thursday.
Key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and locks may face closures or slowdowns due to rising water. Residents near rivers and streams are encouraged to monitor alerts and stay weather-aware.
This prolonged high water event underscores Kentucky’s vulnerability to river flooding, particularly in spring.
