Flooding continues as Ohio River in Cincinnati tops more than 60 feet, highest in 28 years

Ohio River reaches highest levels in 28 years in Cincinnati

Major river flooding continues through this week, including along the Ohio River in Cincinnati and Louisville. The river topped 60.5 feet on Monday in Cincinnati, the highest in 28 years. 

CINCINNATI – Downtown Cincinnati is experiencing flooding as the Ohio River reached above 60 feet on Monday, the highest in more than 28 years. 

After days of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms over the Ohio, Mississippi and Tennessee valleys, the Ohio River in Cincinnati and Louisville, Kentucky, are among the more than 140 river locations experiencing moderate to major flooding.

Cincinnati received nearly 5 inches of rain from Wednesday to Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio. Although the rain has come to an end, flooding impacts will continue this week as floodwaters flow into streams and rivers, likely causing more flooding.

FEARS OF RIVER FLOODING RISE IN MISSISSIPPI, OHIO VALLEYS AMID MANDATORY EVACUATIONS

Current flood levels on the Ohio River in Cincinnati.
(FOX Weather)

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The last time the Ohio River in Cincinnati surpassed 60 feet was Feb. 26, 2018. However, it's nowhere near the record high of 80 feet during the 1937 flooding. On Monday, river levels of 60.53 feet beat the 2018 level by 1/100th of an inch (60.53 inches), the FOX Forecast Center said. The river is at 60.59 feet before it's expected to crest later on Monday. If the Ohio River reaches 60.60 feet, it will tie a 1936 record. 

CATASTROPHIC RAIN TRIGGERS FLOOD EMERGENCIES, EVACUATIONS ON FOURTH STRAIGHT DAY OF RELENTLESS STORMS

At 60 feet, the NWS said significant flooding is possible in East End, California and New Richmond, Ohio. Backwater floods could also affect Silver Grove, Kentucky, and riverfront buildings in Aurora, Indiana. 

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, stretches of U.S. 52 are flooded, causing road closures due to high water. 

Riverfront parks, including Smale, Yeatman's Cove and Swayer Point, were closed over the weekend due to flooding.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) also installed floodgates at Riverfront Transit Center in downtown Cincinnati. According to ODOT Public Information Officer Matt Bruning, this is the first time the gates have been used since 2018.

Flood gates installed in Cincinnati during Ohio River flooding

Ohio Department of Transportation crews install flood gates at the Riverfront Transit Center in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio after days of heavy rain led to Ohio River flooding.

The Greater Cincinnati Water Works’ Stormwater Management Utility also installed floodgates on Mehring Way and Carr Street.

In Louisville, the Ohio River is expected to crest at 36.2 feet on Wednesday, the highest in seven years. 

There is a Flood Warning for the Ohio River in Cincinnati and Louisville until further notice.