Ohio River expected to rise 20 feet during the next week

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a flood warning for the lower Ohio River, affecting Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri.

A multi-day heavy rain event is underway lasting through Saturday. Three days of rainfall is incorporated into the forecast, but it still does not include the entire event. 

The Ohio River has started to rise and increases in crest forecasts can be expected. Now is the time to prepare for flooding.

Thursday at 1pm, the Ohio River at Paducah was at 27.5 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage of 39 feet on Saturday afternoon, and continue rising to moderate flood stage, with a crest of 47 feet on Thursday, April 10. Major flood stage at Paducah is 52 feet.

The Ohio River at Olmsted Lock and Dam was at 27.6 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage of 36 feet on Saturday afternoon, and continue rising to moderate flood stage, with a crest of 46.9 feet on Friday, April 11. Major flood stage at Olmsted is 47 feet.

The Ohio River at Cairo was at 30.7 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage of 40 feet on Saturday afternoon, and continue rising to moderate flood stage, with a crest of 51 feet on Friday, April 11. Major flood stage at Cairo is 53 feet.