Columbus, Ohio – High pressure keeps the Ohio River Basin mostly dry today, but conditions will shift rapidly as heavy rain and potential flash flooding move in by Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service Ohio River Forecast Center, rainfall chances rise sharply tonight and persist through the weekend. Excessive rainfall could bring flash flooding, especially on Friday, with southern Illinois and Indiana facing the highest risk for lingering high water. The latest river status shows most rivers below action stage, but some locations in southern Illinois and Indiana remain elevated.
Communities from Cincinnati to Evansville should prepare for downpours that may quickly overwhelm streets and low-lying areas. Roadways near the Ohio and Wabash Rivers could see standing water, making travel hazardous. Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads, charge mobile devices in advance, and monitor updates from local emergency management.
Although widespread flooding is not anticipated outside southern Illinois and Indiana, recent heavy rain has primed the region for possible rapid rises in smaller creeks and urban areas. This pattern is similar to late July events in previous years, where localized flash flooding led to several road closures.
Rain chances and flood alerts will continue through Saturday. Additional advisories may be issued if rainfall intensifies.
