Cumberland River approaching flood stage in Tennessee after storms

After heavy rains blanketed western Kentucky and middle Tennessee Wednesday night, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is expecting peak crests on the Cumberland River system of locks and dams. 

The river is expected to reach flood stage at various locations along the Cumberland on its way to enter the Ohio River at Smithland.

For the Cumberland River at Nashville, a peak stage of 40.5 feet is predicted early Friday morning. Flood stage is 40.0 feet.

At Clarksville, a peak stage of 50.8 feet is predicted midday Friday. Flood stage is 46.0 feet.

For the Cumberland River at Dover, a peak stage of 67.3 feet is predicted overnight Friday. Flood stage is 66.0 feet.

The surge in Tennessee will be absorbed by Lake Barkley and held before it's gradually released through the dam.

As the runoff continues into the Ohio River, the forecast at Smithland is for the Ohio's level to rise from 27.3 feet Friday morning to 30.6 feet by Monday, still well below flood stage of 40 feet.

The Corps of Engineers urges residents to stay out of flooded areas and swift-moving, swollen rivers or creeks.