City of Paducah to install floodgates as river surges

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) — Paducah city staff has announced they will close the city’s floodwall against rising Ohio River waters.

Media outlets report city officials made the call Monday night to install the floodgates by the end of the week after the National Weather Service predicted the Ohio River would crest at 49 feet by Jan. 5.

City Engineer Rick Murphy says once crews and equipment are in place, the first 20 gates can be installed in 12 hours or less.

City spokeswoman Pam Spencer says the river seldom gets high enough to trigger closing the floodgates. It happens once about every five years. The last time was the spring of 2011.

Spencer says even with the Ohio River staying on its side of the floodwall, residents should remain alert to possible flooding.

 

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