Observations and Forecasts for the Lower Mississippi/Ohio

Strong to Severe Thunderstorms from the Southern Plains to the Ohio Valley; Heavy Rain and Flooding in the Southern Plains

Severe thunderstorms are expected from central Texas to middle Tennessee and Kentucky this afternoon into tonight. Large hail and damaging winds are the main threats. Heavy to excessive rainfall may produce areas of flooding today and tonight from central Texas into the lower Mississippi Valley.

The Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center (LMRFC) provides forecasts for the lower sections of the Mississippi River. Forecasts on the Upper Mississippi River start at Chester, IL, and continue downstream to the confluence with the Ohio River. Forecasts on the Lower Ohio River start at Smithland Lock & Dam (Smithland, IL) and continue downstream to the confluence with the Upper Mississippi. Forecasts for the Lower Mississippi begin at the Ohio/Upper Mississippi confluence (just downstream of Cairo, IL) and continue downstream to New Orleans, LA. The Mississippi River is vital to commerce in the LMRFC area of forecast responsibility. Both high stages and low stages can cause significant impacts.