Historic Flooding Grips Central U.S., Water Levels to Remain High for Weeks

In the wake of one of the most devastating flooding events since Hurricane Helene, communities across the central United States continue to grapple with rising waters and widespread disruption. As of this week, dozens of river gauges across multiple states have reached or are forecasted to hit “major” flood stage, signaling ongoing threats even as the rains subside.

The deluge, fueled by a 1-in-1,000-year rainfall event, has overwhelmed small streams and urban areas, funneling into larger rivers such as the Ohio and lower Mississippi. This surge is expected to prolong high water levels for days—if not weeks—across vast swathes of the region.

In Cincinnati, the Ohio River crested at over 60 feet on Monday and is not expected to fall below flood stage until Friday morning. The Mississippi River, likewise, is projected to crest in parts of Missouri on Saturday and remain elevated until at least late April. This extended timeline is likely to leave roads underwater, disrupt agricultural operations, and hinder commercial river transport well into the spring.

“The high and fast-moving water will negatively affect tug and barge operations,” warned AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service continues to issue warnings across affected areas, urging residents to monitor updates and avoid flooded zones.

With the water surge expected to take up to three weeks to fully cycle through to the Mississippi Delta—including the New Orleans area—the impacts of this flood event may linger into early May.

Historic flooding continues across the central U.S. following a 1-in-1,000-year rain event. Major rivers like the Ohio and Mississippi are expected to remain above flood stage for weeks, impacting infrastructure, agriculture, and transport well into spring.