The image depicts damage to road running parallel to the Ohio River, in Clarksville , Indiana after recent high water and flooding led to bank erosion. Louisville, Kentucky lies on the opposite side of the Ohio River.
The Ohio River experiences frequent flooding and bank erosion, primarily due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and its extensive tributary system. Major floods have historically impacted cities along the river, with some of the worst occurring in 1937, 1997, and 2018. The Great Flood of 1937 was the most devastating, submerging entire towns, displacing hundreds of thousands, and causing widespread destruction from Pittsburgh to Cairo, Illinois. Modern flood control measures, including reservoirs, levees, and the lock-and-dam system managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, help mitigate extreme flooding. However, heavy storms and prolonged wet seasons still cause periodic water level surges, leading to localized flooding and property damage.
Bank erosion along the Ohio River is another persistent issue, caused by fast-moving currents, seasonal floods, and human activities like dredging and construction. Erosion leads to the loss of farmland, damage to infrastructure, and increased sedimentation in the river, which can affect water quality and aquatic habitats. In urban areas, failing riverbanks threaten roads, bridges, and homes, requiring costly stabilization efforts. Some communities use riprap (rock barriers), retaining walls, and vegetation planting to slow erosion, but long-term riverbank stability remains a challenge. As climate patterns shift, increased rainfall intensity may worsen both flooding and erosion, prompting further investment in floodplain management and conservation efforts.