Cincinnati, OH – A brief break from widespread rainfall Saturday is expected to give way to a more active weather pattern across the Ohio Valley, with forecasters warning that several inches of rain could increase flooding concerns in portions of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio and surrounding states.
According to the National Weather Service Ohio River Forecast Center, much of the region is expected to receive between 3 and 5 inches of rainfall over the next seven days, with some locations potentially seeing even higher totals.
The forecast rainfall is expected to fall across a broad area of the Ohio River and Lake Erie drainage basins, including parts of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Forecasters said the additional rainfall could worsen ongoing river rises and increase flood concerns heading into next week.
Current river forecasts indicate action-stage and minor flood-stage rises are already occurring across portions of southeastern Illinois and Indiana. Additional rivers and streams may also approach action stage or minor flood stage as repeated rounds of rainfall move through the region during the next 10 days.
While widespread major flooding is not currently forecast, emergency managers and residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely monitor forecasts, especially near creeks, streams and low-lying roadways.
The Ohio River Forecast Center noted that multiple rounds of rain could produce localized higher rainfall totals than currently forecast, which may lead to more significant impacts in isolated areas.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roads and never attempt to drive through water-covered roadways. Residents living near rivers and streams should remain alert for potential flood advisories, watches or warnings as conditions evolve throughout the week.
Additional forecast updates are expected from the National Weather Service as the active weather pattern develops across the Ohio Valley.
