Flood Warning Issued for Ohio River at Shawneetown Affecting Illinois and Kentucky Counties

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Paducah, KY has issued a Flood Warning for the Ohio River at Shawneetown. This alert is classified as a severe event with likely certainty, triggered by heavy rainfall over the region. The warning covers the Ohio River including areas near Shawneetown, Owensboro, Evansville, and Paducah.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic regions:

• Illinois: Gallatin and Hardin Counties
• Kentucky: Crittenden and Union Counties

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers are advised to “Turn around, don’t drown” when encountering flooded roads, as most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Additionally, exercise extreme caution when walking near riverbanks. The official response recommendation is to avoid flooded areas.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is forecast for the Ohio River at Shawneetown. As of 10:30 AM CST on Thursday, the river stage was recorded at 19.9 feet. The river is expected to rise above the flood stage of 33.0 feet. At this level, minor flooding typically affects bottomland and surrounding low-lying areas. The river is currently forecasted to reach a crest of 33.3 feet.

Timeline

• Onset: The river is expected to rise above flood stage starting Tuesday morning, March 10.
• Crest: The river is forecast to reach a crest of 33.3 feet on Thursday, March 12.
• Recession: Water levels are expected to fall below flood stage on Friday, March 13.
• Warning Expiration: The alert remains in effect until 1:00 AM CDT on Saturday, March 14.