Flooding in Kentucky, March 1 to 31, 2019

Moderate flooding on the Ohio and Green Rivers persisted from February into March. The Ohio River crested at Owensboro during February. On the Green River, the crest did not occur until the first day of March. Low-lying woodlands and fields in the river bottomlands were flooded. In Daviess County, about three dozen roads were closed by high water. The closed roads included Lower River Road from U.S. Route 60 to Griffith Station, Rockport Ferry Road, Crooked Creek Road, and other secondary county roads.

Moderate flooding continued on the Ohio River from February into March. At the Owensboro river gage, the river crested on February 17th. Low-lying woodlands and fields in the river bottomlands were flooded. Numerous roads were flooded, including some state roads. Backwater from the Ohio River caused flooding near the mouth of the Green River, which flooded roads in eastern Henderson County. Flooded roads extended inland to near Hebbardsville.

Moderate flooding subsided along the Ohio River after cresting in February. About eight state roads were closed, including Highways 667, 668, 1452, 1637, 871, and 1508. Large areas of agricultural land were flooded, but it was mostly dormant outside of planting season.

Moderate flooding of the Ohio River diminished after cresting in February. At the Shawneetown, IL gage, the river crested on February 20. The ferry from Hardin County, IL to Crittenden County was shut down due to high water for an extended period of time. Several state roads and numerous county roads were flooded. Backwater flooding along the Tradewater River affected areas near the Webster County line. Large areas of agricultural land were flooded. Crop losses were negligible since planting was not yet underway.

A prolonged major river flood gradually subsided in March after cresting in February. Information on the February crest height and on total property damage estimates is contained in the February report. The flood affected numerous homes and businesses in Livingston County. The primary focus of flood-fighting efforts revolved around the town of Smithland, the county seat. A makeshift levee was built along the river, requiring a multi-week closure of U.S. Highway 60 through town. The governor of Kentucky toured the site of the levee construction, which required the assistance of numerous state and federal agencies. Repeated heavy rainfall in west Kentucky and backwater from the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers caused widespread flooding in the southern part of Livingston County. Numerous roads were closed around the county, especially in the flood plain. Some of the largest state roads that were closed included U.S. Highway 60 in Smithland and State Route 70. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stopped all river traffic on the Ohio River at Smithland.

A prolonged major river flood that peaked in February subsided in March. Information on the February crest height and the total property damage estimate is contained in the February report. The flood damaged about 50 homes in McCracken County. Levee and flood wall gates were installed in the Paducah area. This action along with heavy rainfall in west Kentucky and backwater from the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers caused widespread flooding in the southeast part of McCracken County. Smaller rivers and creeks such as the Clarks River had nowhere to drain and kept rising with each successive round of heavy rain. One fatality occurred due to a vehicle that drove into Clarks River floodwaters. A male, age 59, drove around a barricade and into floodwaters off Highway 787 near the Marshall County line. His girlfriend escaped the vehicle, but he did not. His body was recovered and CPR was administered but to no avail. Countywide, a damage assessment indicated 35 residences sustained minor damage and 15 sustained major damage. Numerous roads were closed around the county, especially in the flood plain west of Paducah and the Clarks River basin in eastern McCracken County. Some of the largest state roads that were closed included Highway 131 south of Reidland, Highway 305 in West Paducah, and Highway 284 between Reidland and Paducah. A Red Cross shelter was opened in Paducah. The City of Paducah declared a state of emergency and installed most of the floodgates in the floodwall. The city's convention center was inaccessible for over a week due to its location outside the floodwall. A makeshift barrier was installed around the convention center to prevent flooding.

The Ohio River remained above flood stage all month after cresting in February. Information on the February flood crest and the total property damage estimate is contained in the February report. Major flooding on the Ohio River closed numerous county roads and a few state roads. U.S. Highway 60/62 was closed from Wickliffe to the Ohio River bridge to Cairo, Illinois. This road serves as a primary link between Kentucky and Illinois. A detour of about 80 miles was required for commuters in the area. Many hunting cabins in the river bottoms were flooded, but only a small number of houses (fewer than 20) were affected. The Ballard Wildlife Management Area was closed.

Moderate flooding continued on the Green River from February into March. At the Calhoun river gage, the river crested at 30.69 feet on the 1st. Flood stage there is 23 feet. Several roads were closed in the flood plain. Thousands of acres were flooded in the Island, Rumsey, and Jewel City areas. The acreage was primarily farm fields. Since planting season was not underway when flooding began, there was little if any crop damage.

Moderate flooding on the Green River gradually subsided after cresting in February. Information on the February crest height is contained in the February report. Some local roads were closed, and considerable flooding of low-lying woods and fields occurred.

The level of man-made Kentucky Lake was raised to 367 feet, about 8 feet above the normal summer pool stage. Low-lying parks, campgrounds, and marina parking lots near the lake were flooded. Some lake access roads were underwater. The lake level was still several feet below the record set during the spring of 2011 flood.

The level of man-made Kentucky Lake was raised to 367 feet, about 8 feet above the normal summer pool stage. Low-lying parks, campgrounds, and marina parking lots near the lake were flooded. Some lake access roads were underwater. The lake level was still several feet below the record set during the spring of 2011 flood.

The level of Lake Barkley was raised to 367 feet, about 8 feet above the normal summer pool stage. Low-lying parks, campgrounds, and marina parking lots near the lake were flooded. Some lake access roads were underwater.

The level of Lake Barkley was raised to 367 feet, about 8 feet above the normal summer pool stage. Low-lying parks, campgrounds, and marina parking lots near the lake were flooded. Some lake access roads were underwater.

Moderate flooding on the Mississippi River closed some roads. Most of the roads were rural county roads in the flood plain. The prolonged flooding started in February and continued into late March.

Moderate flooding of the Mississippi River inundated large areas of agricultural land. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assisted with the control of seepage through the levees near Hickman, where sand boils were a concern. Numerous county roads were closed, and about six state roads were closed in the flood plain. Most crops were not planted, so crop losses were small. The prolonged flooding started in February and continued into late March.

Moderate flooding on the Mississippi River closed some roads. U.S. Highway 51 was closed near the Ballard/Carlisle County line due to backwater flooding of Mayfield Creek. Most of the other roads were county roads in the flood plain. The prolonged flooding started in February and continued into late March.

Moderate flooding on the Mississippi River caused flooding in the Wickliffe area. U.S. Highway 51 was closed near the Carlisle County line due to backwater flooding of Mayfield Creek. The prolonged flooding started in February and ended in late March.