Cincinnati, Ohio – Thunderstorms sweeping across the southwestern Ohio River Valley Monday are expected to deliver heavy rain and spark flash flooding, with Kentucky and Tennessee facing the most urgent threats. Localized flooding of low-lying roads and streams is possible as storms push through into the evening.
According to the National Weather Service Ohio River Forecast Center, high rainfall rates could trigger flash flooding in urban areas and along the Ohio River and its tributaries, particularly near Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, and Nashville. Motorists should avoid flooded roads, and residents near rivers should monitor alerts and be ready to move to higher ground if needed.
By Tuesday, brief high pressure will move into the region, keeping most areas dry through Thursday. However, river levels in Indiana and Illinois—including Evansville, Indianapolis, and Peoria—are forecast to continue rising and crest over the next several days. Isolated neighborhoods along the Wabash, White, and Illinois rivers may see minor flooding, especially where soil is already saturated.
Residents are advised to prepare now by charging devices, having emergency kits ready, and planning alternate routes in case of road closures. This round of storms comes as the region faces its first major summer flooding risk, recalling similar July events in recent years.
Warnings remain in effect for parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana through late Monday. Additional advisories are possible if rainfall totals increase or river gauges rise overnight.
