Live streamflow across the country.

# Major Rivers Surge Across America: High Flows Dominate Midwest and South

Rivers across the United States are experiencing dramatically varied conditions, with several major waterways showing extraordinary high flows while others face severe drought. The Ohio River leads the nation with a massive 259,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) flow at Old Shawneetown, while the Illinois River system is running at nearly 195% of normal levels. Meanwhile, some watersheds like Minnesota's Western Wild Rice River are experiencing critically low flows at just 34.5% of normal. This dramatic split reflects the nation's complex hydrological picture, with flooding concerns in the Midwest and Ohio Valley contrasting sharply with drought conditions in select northern regions.

The Midwest is experiencing exceptional streamflows, with multiple watersheds showing flows exceeding 1,000% of normal levels. The Middle Ohio-Laughery watershed is running at an astounding 14,656% of normal, while the Lower Wabash has reached 8,794% of typical flows. Major cities feeling the impact include Chicago, where the Des Plaines River watershed is at 1,117% of normal, and St. Paul-Minneapolis, where the Mississippi continues its powerful spring flow. The Illinois River near Chicago is carrying over 110,000 cfs—nearly double its historical average. These conditions create excellent opportunities for experienced whitewater enthusiasts on tributaries, though anglers should exercise extreme caution as high, turbid waters make fishing challenging and wading dangerous.

In contrast, the Southeast presents a mixed picture. Florida's St. Johns River at Jacksonville is flowing strongly at 152,000 cfs, while Georgia's Savannah River system maintains robust flows near Port Wentworth (25,700 cfs). However, Alabama's Tombigbee River is running at just 58% of normal, and the Lower St. Johns watershed in Florida sits at only 29.5% of typical levels. The Arkansas White River system shows impressive flows, with Batesville reporting 43,800 cfs—ideal for trout fishing below the dams once waters stabilize. Water managers across the Ohio Valley and Midwest are closely monitoring conditions as the combination of snowmelt and recent rainfall has pushed numerous watersheds well beyond flood stage, particularly in Pennsylvania's Lehigh and Tioga river basins, both running 800-2,100% above normal.