Major Flood
53 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: CIRI2). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
47 ft
Minor Flood
40 ft
Action Stage
32 ft
What Floods at Each Level
65 ft
The river will reach the top of the protection at Mounds and Mound City.
64 ft
The river will reach the top of the protection of Cairo.
61.72 ft
This flood will exceed the highest stage on record.
56 ft
U.S. Highway 51 near Wickliffe is flooded.
50 ft
The first gate is closed at Cairo.
40 ft
Minor flooding occurs affecting mainly agricultural bottomland and low lying areas.
32 ft
Cairo begins pumping operations.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| May 2, 2011 | 61.72 ft | 1,809,676 cfs |
| Feb 2, 1937 | 59.5 ft | -9,999 cfs |
| Mar 1, 2019 | 56.51 ft | 1,540,195 cfs |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
CIRI2
River
Ohio River
County
Alexander, IL
Coordinates
37.0000°N, 89.1625°W
Get Flood Alerts for Ohio River
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Ohio River at Cairo?
The Ohio River at Cairo gauge is maintained by USGS and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Ohio River at Cairo?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Ohio River at Cairo is 40 feet. Action stage begins at 32 feet. Moderate flooding starts at 47 feet, and major flooding at 53 feet.
How do I get alerts when Ohio River rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Ohio River at Cairo to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Ohio River at Cairo gauge located?
The gauge is located in Alexander County, Illinois at coordinates 37.0000°N, 89.1625°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Ohio River
On This River
Upstream: Ohio River at Olmsted Lock and Dam Tailwater
Downstream: Mississippi River above Wickliffe
More Resources
Source & Notes
- River forecasts for this location take into account past precipitation and the precipitation amounts expected approximately 48 hours into the future from the forecast issuance time.