Paducah, KY – The National Weather Service has issued continued flood warnings for various locations along the Ohio River, affecting parts of Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Heavy rainfall in the past week has led to rising river levels, and major flooding is expected to continue throughout the region. The flood warnings are in effect for several counties as the river is expected to crest significantly above flood stage in multiple locations.
Key Locations and Impacts:
- Evansville, IN (Ohio River): Minor flooding occurring, moderate flooding forecast. The river is expected to crest at 48.5 feet by Saturday, April 12.
- Smithland Dam, KY (Ohio River): Moderate flooding forecast with river levels expected to crest at 48.5 feet by April 16.
- Paducah, KY (Ohio River): The river is currently at 45.4 feet, with moderate flooding forecasted. The levee at Paducah’s marina is already under water, and the river is expected to rise to 49.5 feet by April 17.
- Cairo, IL (Ohio River): Major flooding expected, with a forecasted crest of 54 feet by Thursday, April 10. Local roads are submerged and ongoing river rises will continue to cause disruptions.
Additional Areas Affected:
- Golconda, IL: Moderate flooding forecast, with levees expected to be impacted as the river rises.
- Shawneetown, IL: The river is forecast to crest at 53.5 feet by Monday, April 14, causing widespread flooding and isolating rural roads and homes.
- Olmsted Lock and Dam, IL: The river is expected to crest at 50 feet, leading to severe flooding in surrounding areas.
Precautionary Actions: Residents near the Ohio River are urged to exercise extreme caution near riverbanks. River levels are fluctuating rapidly, and with nightfall approaching, visibility near affected areas is significantly reduced. Local authorities advise motorists to avoid flooded roads and not attempt to drive through barricades or submerged streets.
Weather Forecast: As of Monday evening, the Ohio River is nearing or exceeding flood stages in many areas, with predictions for continued rises throughout the week. The river will crest at varying times depending on location, with some areas expected to remain above flood stage for several days.
Travel Warnings: The National Weather Service strongly urges travelers to follow posted warnings, including avoiding non-essential travel near the river during this period. Flooding-related deaths most often occur in vehicles, and drivers should always turn around when encountering flooded roads.
For more details, visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov.
