More City Floodgates to Be Installed Monday

After another increase in the predicted crest level of the Ohio River, the city of Paducah will be installing ten more gates in the floodwall on Monday.

On Friday afternoon, the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service issued an update, saying the river should crest at 53.5 feet on Saturday, March 2. The previous forecast called for a crest this Sunday at 51.5 feet. On Friday, Feb. 22, the river stage for the Ohio River at Paducah at 2 pm was 50.91 feet.

In a press release, City Engineer-Public Works Director Rick Murphy said, “I am laser-focused on the Ohio River and the floodwall. The installation of the gates at ten more locations on Monday will provide protection up to a river stage of 55 feet. If we see another crest increase next week, then we will be ready to install the final set of floodgates. I want the community to know that we are staying ahead of Mother Nature and making all of the necessary safety preparations.”

Businesses affected by the gate closures are being notified so that they can take appropriate measures.

Since there are events scheduled at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention Center complex, the floodgate at 4th Street and Park Avenue will remain open on Saturday to allow them to take place. However, on Sunday, the city says Jim Smith Contracting will begin installation of the HESCO flood barriers around the Convention Center to protect it from the rising river. These are the same barriers that have been used in the past. On Monday, the floodgates that provide access to the Convention Centers will be closed.

The city reminds everyone to stay away from the floodwall and floodgates. Police have increased patrols around the floodwall. 

The City’s 12 pump stations are still operating.The first pump station began operating when the river reached 27.5 feet. The floodgates were last installed in February 2018.

Here is a timeline of events:

February 18: The City of Paducah declared a State of Emergency. This action submitted to the State will help the city receive reimbursement for costs associated with the floodgate installation and related actions. Costs that may be reimbursed include overtime for personnel, equipment rental, and the hiring of contractors.

February 19: City crews installed floodgates at nine locations in the downtown area.

February 21: An additional four locations were closed.

February 25: Ten more floodgates will be installed.