COLUMBUS, Ohio — A stretch of relatively cold and dry weather is expected to persist across much of the Ohio Valley in the coming week, keeping river flooding concerns low despite periodic chances for precipitation.
According to the National Weather Service’s Ohio River Forecast Center, overall rainfall totals through the next seven days are forecast to remain modest. While some localized areas could see higher amounts — particularly downwind of Lake Erie and across the higher terrain of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania — forecasters say the precipitation will not be widespread or intense enough to significantly raise river levels.
Hydrologists note that even with scattered lake-effect snow and light mountain precipitation, river flows across the region are expected to remain near normal. Soil moisture levels are not overly saturated, and colder temperatures will further limit runoff by slowing snowmelt and evaporation.
Looking ahead, the flood outlook through the next 10 days shows little cause for concern. No rivers across the Ohio River Basin are currently forecast to reach action or flood stage, and the probability of flooding remains low through late January.
Officials emphasize that while winter weather hazards such as cold temperatures and localized snow showers may still affect travel, widespread hydrologic impacts are unlikely under the current pattern.
