Live streamflow across the country.

# Major Rivers Surge Across Eastern U.S. While West Faces Contrasts

**Exceptional flooding conditions are gripping the nation's midsection and eastern regions, with dozens of major rivers experiencing dramatically elevated flows—some running at over 100 times their normal levels. The Ohio River system leads the crisis with flows reaching 259,000 cubic feet per second at Old Shawneetown, while the Midwest's agricultural heartland faces severe inundation across Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana watersheds. Meanwhile, drought conditions persist in the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Southeast, creating a stark hydrological divide across the continent.**

The situation is most critical across the Ohio River basin and Upper Midwest, where recent rainfall has pushed numerous watersheds beyond 1,000% of normal flow. Ohio's Scioto River system is experiencing catastrophic conditions, running at 2,268% of normal, directly threatening Columbus and surrounding communities. The Wabash River in Indiana shows flows exceeding 246,000 cfs—more than 15 times normal—impacting Lafayette, Terre Haute, and dozens of smaller communities. Illinois faces particularly dire circumstances with the Sangamon River at an extraordinary 39,040% of normal flow, while the Embarras River runs at 13,576% of average. Major cities including Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Peoria face significant flood impacts as the Great Miami, White, and Illinois River systems remain dangerously elevated. For water managers, these conditions demand careful coordination of reservoir releases and levee monitoring, while outdoor enthusiasts should avoid all river activities in affected areas—conditions remain life-threatening for recreation.

Contrasting sharply with the Midwest deluge, the Pacific Northwest shows below-average flows, with Washington's Samish River at just 67% of normal and the Green River near Seattle at 81% of normal. The Southeast presents a mixed picture: Florida's St. Johns River runs high at 152,000 cfs near Jacksonville under sunny skies, while Alabama's Black Warrior and Mississippi's Tombigbee rivers show surprisingly low flows at 150% and 58% of normal respectively, indicating persistent regional drought. The Snake River system across Idaho shows moderate elevated flows from mountain snowmelt, ranging from 5,200 to 19,200 cfs—conditions favorable for experienced rafters but requiring caution. Texas rivers including the Trinity and Sabine show modest elevations, while California's Sacramento River maintains controlled flows through reservoir management. Anglers should note that turbid, fast-moving water in flood zones has temporarily shut down fishing opportunities across the Midwest, though Western rivers may offer productive spring conditions.