River Forecast Rises, More Floodgates Going Up

An increase in the expected crest of the Ohio River has prompted city officials to close more floodgates than originally planned.

The National Weather Service says the river is now expected to crest Sunday at 51.5 feet. This is two feet higher than the forecast issued yesterday. The river stage for the Ohio River at Paducah at 2 p.m. Wednesday was 49.63 feet.

Paducah Public Information Officer Pam Spencer says crews from the Engineering-Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and Fire Departments have installed floodgates at nine locations in the downtown area, which protects the city to a flood stage of 51 feet. City crews will work Thursday to close gates at four additional locations. With those additional closures, the city will be protected to a river stage of 52.5 feet. 
 
The Paducah-McCracken County Convention Center complex, the floodgate at 4th Street and Park Avenue will remain open to allow for Convention Center business to continue. The roadway access to the Convention Centers from Campbell Street will remain open unless there is another increase in the forecast crest.
 
On Monday, the City of Paducah declared a State of Emergency, which Spencer says will help the city receive reimbursement for costs associated with the floodgate installation and related actions. 

Pedestrian and vehicle traffic are not allowed on or near the floodwall and floodgates.   

The City’s 12 pump stations are in operation due to the river level. The first pump station began operating when the river reached 27.5 feet.  The floodgates were last installed in February 2018, and the river crested at 51.4 feet in March. In 2011 the Ohio River crested at 55.0 feet.