CINCINNATI — With additional rainfall on the way, Cincinnati is preparing for forecasted flooding heading into the weekend.

The National Weather Service has flood watches out for most of the state, with most of the rain expected to come Saturday.

What You Need To Know

  • Roadways will be closed due to flooding

  • The city said departments are collaborating to respond to the floods
  • City parks along the river will be inaccessible 
  • Flood operations at the Mill Creek Barrier Dam facility will be activated Friday

City officials have closed roadways, have filled sandbags and are installing floodgates ahead of the severe rain. The city said departments have worked to collaborate on a response to flooding to make sure all resources are being used. 

The city said river levels are being monitored, and officials remain in contact with NWS.

Kellogg Ave. between Wilmer and Apple Hill will close at noon on Saturday, April 5 and additional road closures may happen depending on the river levels.

City parks along the river will be inaccessible because of the water, including Smale, Yeatman’s Cove, and Sawyer Point

“While we understand the desire to observe and document this flooding, please stay out of the area for your own safety,” the city said in a news release. “The area south of Mehring from Central Avenue to the Boathouse will be filled with debris, potentially unsafe water quality, and fast-moving floodwaters. In addition, lighting fixtures have been removed from the area, lowering visibility at night.”

California Woods closed Friday as floodwater has covered the roadway.

Residents are urged to sign up for emergency alerts through CincyAlert, powered by Smart911, which is the official public alerting and emergency notification system Cincinnati uses. Residents can also sign up for alerts from the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency through the system.

Potential sewer backups in homes or businesses can be reported 24/7 to MSD by calling (513) 352-4900 or online at msdgc.org/sbu. Backups must be reported within 48 hours of discovery in order to potentially receive reimbursement for qualifying property damages.

For more information on MSD’s Sewer Backup program, click here.

The Greater Cincinnati Water Works and Stormwater Management Utility continue to monitor the Ohio River’s water levels. The river is expected to reach 60 feet on Sunday, based on the latest forecasts. The city said flood operations at the Mill Creek Barrier Dam facility will be activated Friday evening.