Ohio River begins to recede; crests at highest level since ’97

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

The Ohio River has begun receding after cresting at its highest level in two decades, but forecasters warn that the weekend’s flooding problems will linger.

The National Weather Service says the river crested at around 6 a.m. Sunday at 57.7 feet, or 7 feet below 1997 levels that caused widespread flooding. Forecaster Brian Coniglio says it’s expected to gradually fall but will remain above the 52-foot flood stage most of the week. Melted snow and rainfalls caused flooding that swamped roads, businesses and homes in scattered low-lying areas in the Cincinnati region.

The weather service expects a few dry days ahead to help.

The village administrator in New Richmond some 20 miles southeast of Cincinnati says at least five homes were flooded, and water is covering many roads.