National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

The Ohio River, along with many of its tributaries, went into flood after heavy rains in March of 2011.  Below are some photographs.

Photos of the Ohio River in and near downtown Louisville, taken by the NWS on March 12, 2011.  The river stage at McAlpine Upper was 26.6 feet at this time, and was at crest.  It was the highest stage since 28.3 feet on January 12, 2005. 

Click on an image to see a larger version.

 

Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011
Looking northeast along River Road, towards its intersection with Zorn Avenue. Along the Louisville Riverwalk near the Big Four Bridge. Picnic area along the Louisville Riverwalk beneath the Kennedy Bridge. The landing at Waterfront Park.  The concrete towers in the middle distance are at the normal shore of the river. The ramp from I-64 to Third Street descends into the river.  The topside of the ramp was still above water.

  

Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood march 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011
Another view beneath the Third Street Ramp. A vehicle takes the Third Street Ramp.  Note the clearance sign on the underside. Fourth Street at River Road. Fourth Street at the river.  Note the nearly submerged historical marker sign. River Road at Fourth Street.

 

Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011
River Road at Fourth Street, viewed from the Galt House turnaround.  River Road at Fourth Street, viewed from the Galt House turnaround.  Submerged trash receptacle on Fourth Street at River Road. Fourth Street at the river.  That's the same historical marker sign as seen in the photo above. Washington Street dives into the river near River Road and Seventh Street.

 

Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011
Washington Street and River Road under water. Looking east from the west end of River Road. The barricade shows the depth of the water on River Road at Washington Street. Sixth Street ends in the river. The river disobeying a street sign.

 

Louisville Flood March 2011 Louisville Flood March 2011
Entrance to the Muhammad Ali Center's parking garage on Sixth Street.  Ticket taker's booth at the entrance to the Ali Center's parking garage.

 

Photos from Jeffersonville, Indiana on March 14, with a McAlpine Upper river stage of 26.4 feet.  Thanks to SKYWARN Storm Spotter Billy Payne!

 

Jeffersonville, Indiana Jeffersonville, Indiana Jeffersonville, Indiana Jeffersonville, Indiana