COVINGTON, Ky. — With heavy rain expected to continue through the weekend, Covington Public crews installed floodgates to keep people and property safe as the Ohio River rises.

What You Need To Know

  • Covington Public Works crews installed floodgates Friday, April 4 in preparation of rising Ohio River levels

  • The city’s flood wall system activates when the river predictors reach 56.5 feet

  • The department is warning people to stay away from the riverfront

The city has had its flood protection system in place since the 1940s. The system protects the city from rising river levels.

“When the river predictor gets up to a certain amount, 56.5ft, we have to put this up,” said Bill Matteoli, assistant director of Covington Public Works Department.

Matteoli said it typically takes crews eight hours to install the barrier, but crews on Friday, April 4, were expected to finish the job in only four to six hours. 

“We’re only going to put about half of it up,” said Matteoli. 

Matteoli said they don’t believe the water will reach its full height. However, the weather is unpredictable, so he is urging people living in the area to stay away from the river front until the weather clears up.

“Well, inland, it shouldn’t be too bad, on this side of the flood wall,” he said. “But, you know, stay away from the riverside because it’s going to get the rivers predicted. Get wet within about two inches of that wall.”

Crews are also working overtime to monitor levels and to make sure catch basins are clear.

Related Stories