KENTUCKY FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

Streamflow levels across Kentucky are currently 50.0% of normal, with the Ohio River At Old Shawneetown reporting the highest discharge in the state with 259000cfs and gauge stage of 16.29 ft. Meanwhile, the Licking River At Mckinneysburg is seeing a spike in streamflows today after experiencing a 113.76% increase since yesterday, and currently running at 2330cfs.

Maximum gauge stage in the state was last observed at the Ohio River At Greenup Dam Near Greenup, currently reporting a stage of 16.54ft. The Little River Near Cadiz in the Lower Cumberland watershed is surging for this time of year at 485cfs, about 30.73% of normal.

       



Kentucky has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters with a high frequency of precipitation. The major rivers in Kentucky include the Ohio, Kentucky, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers, which are all major tributaries to the Mississippi River. The Ohio River is the largest flow in the state and is heavily used for commercial transportation. Kentucky also has several large reservoirs and dams, including the Kentucky Dam, Barkley Dam, and Wolf Creek Dam. These dams regulate flow and provide hydroelectric power to the region. The state's hydrology is affected by the Appalachian Mountains, which contribute to increased runoff in the eastern part of the state. Snowpack is not a significant factor in Kentucky's hydrology.


       

Winter Storm Warnings

January 23 2026

Residents of Kentucky, particularly those along and northwest of a line from Pulaski to Pike County, including the I-64 corridor, should brace for heavy snowfall with totals anticipated between 7 to 14 inches. Areas southeast of this line are expected to face a combination of snow and ice, with up to 7 inches of snow and ice accumulations of 0.1 to 0.4 inches, likely causing power outages and tree damage. Additionally, dangerously low wind chills as low as 5 below zero are forecasted across east central, northeast, south central, and southeast Kentucky, posing risks of frostbite and hypothermia. Travel could become nearly impossible, and these conditions are expected to impact the region from Saturday morning through Monday morning, affecting the Monday commute. Citizens are urged to prepare and stay informed on the latest updates from the National Weather Service.


       
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