Tributaries like the White and Wabash rivers in Indiana are already experiencing minor flooding, and that water feeding into the Ohio will help raise its levels two to three feet by the end of the week.
At Paducah, the Ohio is forecast to rise from its current 37 feet to 39.5 feet Friday. Flood stage is 39 feet at Paducah. One week ago, the Ohio River at Paducah measured 31 feet.
At Smithland, the Ohio has risen in the past week from 29 feet to 35.3 feet, and by Thursday is forecast to reach 38 feet. Flood stage at Smithland is 35 feet.
The Shawneetown gauge has risen 7 feet in a week to 33.7 feet; by Tuesday it's expected to reach 36.7 feet, with minor flooding at 33 feet.
Downstream at Cairo, the Ohio River was already at the minor flooding threshold, and rose to moderate flood level of 47 feet on Saturday. It will continue to rise this week to a forecast 49 feet by Thursday. Flood stage at Cairo is 40 feet.
Water from the Ohio at Cairo is being backed up by continued moderate flooding on the Mississippi River. At Cape Girardeau the Mississippi stands at 38.6 feet, with flood stage at 32 feet. Similar levels of moderate flooding on the Mississippi have been persistent for much of the spring all the way north to Iowa.
On the Net:
Paducah Weather Service webpage
