Recent run-off from heavy rainfall in the Ohio River Valley has caused rising water on many secondary streams from western New York, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. This, in turn, has caused the Ohio River and its major tributaries to rise.

The river is expected to rise gradually and reach 20.0 feet on the Upper Gauge in Louisville on Sunday, January 24, 1999. Flood stage above the McAlpine Locks and Dam (Upper Gauge) is 23 feet and 55 below the locks (Lower Gauge).

With the possibility of more rain in the Ohio River Valley and as a precautionary measure, the Metropolitan Sewer District has placed its maintenance forces on Flood Alert. Street closures (flood gates) will be placed at Tenth and Twenty-Seventh Streets, above the McAlpine Locks. Both locations are at the lowest land elevations in the floodwall and levee system that stretches 29 miles along Louisville and Jefferson County’s riverbank. Other closures will be erected, if necessary.

MSD crews will also be prepared to operate flood pumping stations, along the floodwall, if necessary.

Updates on this operation will be issued as conditions dictate. If you would like more detailed information, please call MSD Community Relations and Emergency Response Director Bud Schardein at 540-6319 or you may contact him on his digital pager at 455-6482

Thank you.

cc: Honorable David Armstrong, Mayor, City of Louisville
        Honorable Rebecca Jackson, County Judge/Executive
        MSD Board
        MSD Executive Team
        Jolyn Colon