River stage
Last reported 2026-10-13 | NWS CIRI2
In brief
The Ohio River at Cairo, IL read 20.30 ft on Oct 13, 2026, 11.70 ft below action stage.
Source: National Weather Service gauge CIRI2
| Rank | Crest | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 61.72 ft | 2011-05-02 |
| 2 | 59.50 ft | 1937-02-03 |
| 3 | 56.51 ft | 2019-03-01 |
| 4 | 56.50 ft | 1975-04-03 |
| 5 | 56.40 ft | 1927-04-20 |
| 6 | 56.20 ft | 1997-03-11 |
| 7 | 56.14 ft | 2016-01-04 |
| 8 | 55.90 ft | 1950-02-15 |
Flood crests recorded at this gauge by the National Weather Service.
Cairo begins pumping operations.
Minor flooding occurs affecting mainly agricultural bottomland and low lying areas.
The first gate is closed at Cairo.
U.S. Highway 51 near Wickliffe is flooded.
This flood will exceed the highest stage on record.
The river will reach the top of the protection of Cairo.
The river will reach the top of the protection at Mounds and Mound City.
Written by the local National Weather Service forecast office for this exact gauge.
No. The Ohio River at Cairo is at 20.3 ft, 11.7 ft below action stage.
The National Weather Service sets action stage 32 ft, minor flooding 40 ft, moderate flooding 47 ft and major flooding 53 ft.
The highest crest on record is 61.72 ft, on 2011-05-02.
Stage and flood information from the NOAA National Weather Service (gauge CIRI2). Last reading 2026-10-13. For flood safety decisions always follow official National Weather Service warnings.