Live streamflow across the country.

# Rivers Surge Across America: Texas Hill Country and Southern Waterways See Extraordinary Flows

**Major river systems across the United States are experiencing dramatically varied conditions, with Texas Hill Country watersheds recording some of the most extreme flows in recent memory while the Upper Midwest faces near-drought conditions.** The Nueces River system is showing flows exceeding 200,000% of normal in some tributaries, while the Ohio River at Old Shawneetown leads all gauges nationally with 259,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). From Florida's St. Johns River to Minnesota's Mississippi tributaries, streamflow patterns reveal a nation of hydrological extremes shaped by recent weather systems and reservoir operations.

The Texas Hill Country is experiencing extraordinary conditions that demand attention from water managers and recreationists alike. The Upper Nueces watershed is flowing at an astounding 727,273% of normal, with the Medina River at 148,119% of normal—transforming typically modest streams into raging torrents. San Antonio, Austin, and surrounding communities are witnessing exceptional flows on the Guadalupe (4,424% of normal), Frio (3,611% of normal), and San Antonio rivers. These conditions create dangerous swift-water situations but also spectacular opportunities for experienced whitewater enthusiasts. Meanwhile, coastal Texas watersheds including Matagorda Bay tributaries show similarly extreme percentages, indicating widespread heavy rainfall across the region. The Sabine River near the Texas-Louisiana border is moving 8,360 cfs, reflecting the widespread nature of recent precipitation events.

In stark contrast, the Upper Midwest presents concerning low-flow conditions. Minnesota's Wild Rice River registers just 23% of normal flow, while Washington State's Samish River in the Strait of Georgia watershed sits at 81% of normal—both indicating emerging drought stress. The Mississippi River system shows robust flows at major gauges (27,700 cfs at Hastings, 23,900 cfs at St. Paul), though tributary systems like the Minnesota River display more moderate conditions. Georgia's Savannah River maintains healthy flows exceeding 25,000 cfs near Port Wentworth, supporting navigation and municipal water supplies for Savannah. Arkansas's White River system shows strong releases from upstream dams, with Batesville recording 43,800 cfs—excellent news for trout anglers below Bull Shoals and Norfork tailwaters where consistent flows maintain prime fishing conditions through spring.