After heavy rain, how high are the rivers in KY? These are at risk of flooding
With the ground soaked in much of Kentucky, rivers and streams full or already overflowing after days of heavy rainfall, and more rain forecast in places, the state will face flooding for several more days.
The National Water Prediction Service projects major flooding on some rivers in the state.
Here are some of the river levels as of Friday morning and projected high-water marks around the state:
Kentucky River near Ravenna, Estill County
The river was at 28.58 feet Friday morning and was forecast to crest at 30.8 feet at 8 a.m. Friday. That would bring moderate flooding. Major flooding occurs at 31 feet.
Kentucky River at High Bridge
The river was at 27.4 feet Friday morning and forecast to peak at 38 feet early Monday, just below the major flood level of 39 feet.
Kentucky River at Frankfort
The river was at 28.7 feet at about 10:30 a.m. Friday, with a projection to reach 40 feet Sunday evening. The threshold for major flooding is 40 feet, according to the prediction service.
The National Weather Service said that when the river level at the Frankfort lock reaches 38 feet, Old Lawrenceburg Road closes and Wilkerson and Wilson streets, Watson Court and Kentucky Avenue flood.
At 39 feet, parts of Logan, Norton Street and Murray streets flood, and at 40 feet, Paul Sawyer Drive, East Second Street, East Fourth Street and Admirals Landing flood.
Elkhorn Creek at Peaks Mill, Franklin County
The river was at 13 feet Friday morning but was projected to reach 14.7 feet Sunday afternoon. Major flooding starts at 14 feet.
The National Weather Service said that at 13 feet, Switzer and Indian Gap roads flood, and Goshen Road floods at the back entrance to Two Creeks subdivision. At 14 feet, Jones Lane floods.
Kentucky River at Lockport, Henry County
The level was at 34.5 feet at 10:30 a.m. Monday but was projected to reach 55 feet Sunday afternoon, with major flooding beginning at 49 feet.
The National Weather Service said flooding in that area will affect Henry, Owen and Carroll counties, and would approach the flood of record.
At 49 feet, some homes along High and Worth streets in Monterey will likely flood, and with long stretches of Old Landing Road and Point of Rock Road flooded.
At 51 feet, more than half the small town of Monterey is projected to flood, with water 4 feet deep in houses closest to the river.
Red River at Clay City, Powell County
The level at flood-prone Clay City was 18.6 feet early Friday, with a forecast crest of 22.7 feet at 2 a.m. Saturday. That would be just below the line for major flooding, but would create moderate flooding.
Stoner Creek in Paris
The creek was at 21.76 feet at 10:15 a.m. Friday and was projected to crest Friday afternoon at 23.5 feet, which would be considered moderate flooding. Major flooding starts there at 25 feet.
The National Weather Service said that at 22 feet, water gets into the yards of homes along Taylor, Chambers, and Stoner avenues and Catherine Street in Paris.
Salt River at Shepherdsville, Bullitt County
The river was at 24.3 feet Friday morning with a forecast crest of 38.8 about 2 p.m. Sunday. The mark for major flooding is 40 feet, but moderate flooding starts at 35 feet.
Rough River at Dundee, Ohio County
The river was at 28.1 feet Friday morning. The forecast was for it to hit 29.3 feet Monday at 2 a.m.., just below the level of 30 feet considered to be major flooding.
Rolling Fork River at Boston, Nelson County
The prediction center projects major flooding around the small town. The river was at 40.5 feet Friday morning, projected to rise to 49.9 feet early Monday, with major flooding starting at 45 feet.
The weather service said in a forecast that at 45 feet, houses in lower areas of Boston flood, and at 48 feet, water could cover parts of U.S. 31E in New Haven.
At 50 feet, Boston is cut off from road access, according to the weather service.
Green River at Rochester, Butler County
The river was at 40.65 feet Friday morning, projected to inch above the major flooding threshold of 50 feet, reaching 50.6 feet early next Wednesday.
The weather service said that at 47 feet, access to Rochester is cut off and that at 50 feet, water approaches the first floor of homes.
This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 12:41 PM.
