FLOOD WARNING: More roads close as Ohio River rises

People gawk at Ohio River flooding
Published: Feb. 18, 2018 at 4:34 PM EST|Updated: Feb. 20, 2018 at 10:12 AM EST
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Flood waters close Batavia Pike under Beechmont Tuesday. (FOX19 NOW/Robert Guaderrarma)
Flood waters close Batavia Pike under Beechmont Tuesday. (FOX19 NOW/Robert Guaderrarma)
Riverside Place in Covington Tuesday morning. (FOX19 NOW/Alison Montoya)
Riverside Place in Covington Tuesday morning. (FOX19 NOW/Alison Montoya)

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - More streets shut down Tuesday as the Ohio River continues to rise, causing flooding that is impacting drivers and students.

Cincinnati Police are warning of rising floodwaters and say drivers that ignore "road closed" signs and barricades will be ticketed.

Moderate flooding is now expected along the Ohio River at Cincinnati this week.

A FLOOD WARNING remains in effect for the Ohio River at Portsmouth, Maysville, Meldahl Dam, and Cincinnati.

The flood warning for the river is extended until 1 a.m. Saturday. More rain is expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning after record-high temperatures this afternoon

As of Tuesday morning, the river at Cincinnati stands at 55.3 feet.

It is expected to crest at 56.1 feet Wednesday morning and remain above flood stage until Friday night.

At stages near 56 feet, widespread backwater flooding along creeks and streams occurs. Backwater flooding also affects Anderson Township, flooding numerous roads and basements.

Locations most affected include low-lying areas near New Richmond, the East End, California and Anderson and Pierce Townships.

Cincinnati police shut down the entire intersection of Kellogg Avenue and Sutton Road at 3 a.m. Tuesday.

The entire intersection of Kellogg Avenue and Sutton Road is under water, said Sgt. Eric Franz, police spokesman.

Sutton Road is closed now from Kellogg Avenue to Two Mile Road.

Kellogg Avenue from Four Mile Road in Anderson Township to Interstate 75 remains open but you cannot turn east, he said.

Other closures:

  • Kellogg Avenue is closed from Apple Hill to Wilmer Road
  • Salem Road from Wayside Road to Kellogg Avenue
  • Eastbound Beechmont Avenue exit to Ohio 32 in Anderson Township
  • Ohio 32 from Newtown to Clough Pike in Anderson Township

While not closed at this time, Kellogg Avenue between Wilmer and Delta avenues will close later this morning, based on the river level, Franz said.

Eastside drivers should plan on leaving either before or after rush hour to avoid delays and avoid flooded areas, they advise.

Flooding also is temporarily relocating some school children.

Riverview East Academy students report Tuesday to Jacobs Center at 5425 Winton Ridge Lane.

TIMELINE: When the Ohio River is expected to crest, fall back below flood stage

Belterra Park is temporarily closed until waters recede on Kellogg Avenue, according to a spokeswoman for Pinnacle Entertainment.

Across the river in Northern Kentucky's Newport, Hooters and the Beer Seller had to shut down as high water flooded their entrances.

Route 8 in Kentucky, Route 56 in Indiana and both Route 52 and old Route 42 also are expected to flood in areas.

Back on the eastern side of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, motorists can use Beechmont Avenue as a detour.

But, police caution, avoid the intersection of Corbly Street and Beechmont Avenue due to expected congestion and lengthy delays.

Traffic tie-ups also will snarl Beechmont Avenue between Mears Avenue and Columbia Parkway, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

Delays also are anticipated on Columbia Parkway and I-275 in the city limits, police said.

Smaller roads between the river and Kellogg Avenue, Riverside Drive, Mehring Way and River Road also are expected to flood to the point of being impassable.

Along Ohio River at Meldahl Dam:

The flood warning continues until Thursday morning.

At 2 a.m. Tuesday, the stage was at 53.12 feet.  Flood stage is 51 feet.

The river will rise above flood stage Monday morning and continue to rise to near 54 feet by Tuesday evening.

Along Ohio River at Maysville:

The flood warning continues until Thursday afternoon.

At 2 a.m. Tuesday, the stage was at 53.28 feet.  Flood stage is 50 feet.

The river will rise above flood stage Sunday afternoon and continue to rise to near 55 feet by early Tuesday afternoon.

Along Ohio River at Portsmouth:

The flood warning continues until late Wednesday night.

At 3 a.m. Tuesday, the stage was at 55.22 feet.  Flood stage is 50 feet.

The river will continue to rise to near 56 feet later this morning.

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