Real-time river flooding
across America.

# CATASTROPHIC FLOODING EMERGENCY GRIPS MIDWEST AND OHIO VALLEY AS DEADLY STORMS UNLEASH HISTORIC WATER LEVELS

**IMMEDIATE THREAT:** Multiple states across the Midwest and Ohio Valley are facing a life-threatening flooding crisis as relentless severe storms have pushed river levels to catastrophic heights, leaving at least two dead, over one million without power, and triggering widespread evacuations. Communities from Ohio to Illinois are experiencing some of the most extreme flooding in decades, with streamflows reaching up to 27,000% of normal levels in some watersheds. Emergency officials warn that dangerous conditions will persist through the weekend as additional storm systems continue to pummel already-saturated regions.

Ohio is experiencing unprecedented devastation, with Columbus and surrounding areas facing the worst impacts. The Scioto River basin, serving Columbus and Portsmouth, has exploded to nearly 3,000% of normal flow, submerging roads and neighborhoods. The situation is even more dire along the Little Muskingum River near Marietta, where flows have reached an incomprehensible 9,111% of normal—transforming normally placid streams into raging torrents. In Newark, the Licking River watershed is at 7,832% of normal, while the Shade River near Chester has surged to 16,763% of normal capacity. Cincinnati faces critical flooding along the Little Miami River (1,412% of normal) and Great Miami River systems, where Dayton is experiencing flows at 2,376% of normal. Governor DeWine has issued urgent warnings about continued flooding threats as storms keep emergency responders overwhelmed across the state.

The crisis extends dramatically beyond Ohio's borders. In Illinois, Chicago is confronting catastrophic urban flooding with the Chicago River at an astounding 2,999% of normal flow, overwhelming drainage systems and flooding basements across the metro area. The Des Plaines River serving suburban communities has reached 1,110% of normal. Indiana faces severe flooding around Lafayette (Tippecanoe River at 1,203% of normal) and along the Whitewater River near Richmond (986% of normal), with water rescues reported in multiple counties. Pennsylvania communities along the Youghiogheny River near Confluence are experiencing 2,060% of normal flows, stranding campers and flooding roads in Somerset County. West Virginia's Gauley River near Summersville has surged to 1,194% of normal, threatening mountain communities. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood emergencies across multiple states, with forecasters warning that the slow-moving storm systems—consistent with research showing hurricanes are now dumping far more rain—will continue producing dangerous flooding conditions through the coming days.