With the Ohio River threatening to reach flood stages not seen since 1997, Hancock County officials are implementing protective measures and a coordinated emergency response across the area.
As of Monday afternoon, the river at Cannelton Lock and Dam had reached 48.6 feet, surpassing the moderate flood threshold of 46 feet and nearing the major flood stage of 50 feet. Forecasts show the river cresting at 52 feet by Wednesday night.
At Tell City, the river is expected to crest at 48.9 feet early Thursday morning. For comparison, the 1997 flood reached 50.4 feet.
“If it’s not historic, it’s probably generational,” said Hancock County Judge-Executive Johnny Roberts. “You don’t see these kinds of rains very often.”
The county has already seen a significant impact. Emergency Management Director Kyle Veach said officials are currently managing river flooding after flash flooding occurred over the weekend.
“We’re flirting with ’97 flood levels,” Veach said. “We’ve got two days to act. If anyone feels their home may be in danger, now is the time to reach out.”
Road closures have affected up to 20 areas across the county, including a partial collapse on Skillman Road near Domtar Paper, where about 100 feet of road gave way. While some roads have reopened as water receded, others may remain closed or worsen due to backwater effects.
In Lewisport, city crews and volunteers spent the weekend filling sandbags, and the floodgates were installed for the first time in 15 years. That effort required cutting the train tracks to allow proper installation. In Hawesville, the city has also taken action, including the installation of flood walls to protect downtown.
“Flooding isn’t new to us,” Roberts said. “We know the usual culprits. But this is a different level. We’ve had about eight inches of rain in some places — others even more.”
U.S. 60 between Cloverport and Hawesville and parts of KY 66 near Cannelton are already underwater, according to the National Weather Service’s flood inundation mapping. Additional rainfall or increased discharge from upstream dams could worsen the situation.
Veach said the county has developed contingency plans, including sheltering and voluntary evacuations, and they remain in direct communication with the National Weather Service, Kentucky Emergency Management, and the governor’s office.
“The Cannelton Dam is pushing out over 672,000 cubic feet of water per second,” Veach said. “That water has to go somewhere.”
Despite the challenges, the county’s tight-knit community has been working together to support those affected.
“When you have a small county like ours — just over 9,000 people—you rely on each other,” Roberts said. “Our EMA, our road department, our cities — they’ve all stepped up. It’s been a true community effort.”
As of Monday, no mandatory evacuations had been issued, but officials urged residents to remain vigilant and prepare for the possibility.
