News

Record-breaking flood impacts Ohio River traffic

Recent heavy rain is impacting transportation on the Ohio River system.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says flooding was heaviest near Cincinnati as of Monday.  Data from the Water Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association shows the river crested at 60.79 feet shortly after 4:00 pm Monday in Cincinnati, breaking a record set in 1936.  That high water is expected to reach Cairo, Illinois and the Mississippi River Thursday.  Until flood waters pass, barge traffic is stalled or very limited, and many loading areas are unable to function safely. 

The Army Corps of Engineers has suspended locking operations at the Markland, McAlpine, and Newburgh dams.  The Racine lock has daytime-only southbound-only restrictions.  High water may force closure of the Smithland Lock & Dam early next week, which would halt all transit into the Ohio River.