Rising water levels along the Ohio River are threatening low-lying communities across southern Ohio this week, with the National Weather Service issuing flood warnings for Lawrence, Gallia, Meigs, and Scioto counties. Forecasters say the river could crest at near-record levels by midweek if heavy rainfall continues at the current pace.
As of Monday morning, the Ohio River at Gallipolis was running at 47 feet, rapidly approaching its flood stage of 43 feet and continuing to rise. The Army Corps of Engineers and the NWS Ohio River Forecast Center are projecting a crest of up to 54 feet by Wednesday evening — a level not seen since the historic 2018 floods that caused widespread property damage throughout the region.
In Ironton, Mayor Sam Cramblit declared a local state of emergency and activated the city’s flood response plan. Crews began deploying temporary levee systems and sand barriers in the city’s riverfront district early Monday. “We have done this before and we know what to do,” Cramblit told reporters. “But residents in flood-prone zones need to be ready to move quickly if conditions worsen.”
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency is closely coordinating with county emergency management offices to pre-position boats, pumps, and emergency personnel. FEMA Region 5 has been notified and is monitoring the situation for potential federal disaster declaration eligibility should damages meet the necessary thresholds.
Dozens of families in low-lying areas of Chesapeake, Proctorville, and Rome Township have been voluntarily relocating belongings and vehicles to higher ground. The Lawrence County Red Cross chapter set up a flood preparedness hotline and has identified three potential shelter locations should evacuations become necessary. Shelters will open upon official order from the county EMA.
Ohio’s agricultural communities along the river corridor are also bracing for losses. The Ohio Farm Bureau warned that fields and farm structures in the floodplain are at significant risk, and encouraged farmers to move livestock and equipment to higher ground immediately. Insurance representatives have been put on standby to assist affected property owners with claims documentation.
Residents are urged to avoid driving or walking near flooded roadways. The Ohio turnpike reminder: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Updates will be issued every six hours by the OEMA and the NWS. A hotline for flood assistance information has been activated at 1-800-OHIO-EMA.
