The Ohio River began its upward climb, approaching historic levels in places downriver from the Smithland area. The river rose above flood stage about mid-month. A series of heavy rainfall events gradually forced the river upward at an unsteady rate. Downriver from Owensboro, the river continued rising at the end of the month, cresting in early May. Impacts of the May crest will be included in the May report. April ended up being the wettest month on record at Paducah, Kentucky. Most of the rain fell during the latter half of the month. A persistent southwest flow aloft tended to steer storms northeast from the Plains across the mid-section of the country. Cold fronts tended to stall near the Lower Ohio Valley and southeast Missouri as they became more parallel to the upper-level steering flow. Bands and clusters of thunderstorms frequently developed in the vicinity of the front, producing heavy rainfall.

Flood in UNION, KENTUCKY
From 17-APR-11 07:00:00 to 30-APR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: UNIONTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Ohio River floodgates were installed on Kentucky Highway 923 at Sturgis. This was the first time since the March 1997 flood that such actions were required. Sandbagging was done to protect a house in the Sullivan area. Several county roads were closed, as was the main traffic artery through the county, U.S. Highway 60. There were a total of 14 state highways and 18 county roads posted as closed in Union County.

Flood in LIVINGSTON, KENTUCKY
From 18-APR-11 06:00:00 to 30-APR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: SMITHLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Due to flooding of the Ohio River, there was extensive sandbagging, and a temporary levee was constructed around Smithland. Homeowners were evacuated from Smithland and many other low-lying areas from Birdsville to Ledbetter. Temporary shelters were set up for evacuees. Floodwaters entered a gas station on U.S. Highway 60 in Smithland. Several state roads were closed, along with numerous county roads.

Flood in MCCRACKEN, KENTUCKY
From 17-APR-11 09:00:00 to 30-APR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: PADUCAH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The flood gates were installed in the floodwall protecting the city of Paducah. The Ohio River rose well out of its banks, inundating low-lying areas outside of the levee and floodwall protection system. About 22 homes were evacuated by emergency services workers, while others left voluntarily.

Flood in BALLARD, KENTUCKY
From 13-APR-11 08:00:00 to 30-APR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: WICKLIFFE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flood in CRITTENDEN, KENTUCKY
From 17-APR-11 09:00:00 to 30-APR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: TOLU
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Flood in DAVIESS, KENTUCKY
From 14-APR-11 05:01:00 to 30-APR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: OWENSBORO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Moderate flooding occurred on the Ohio River. At the Owensboro river gage, the river crested at 46.30 feet on April 28th. Panther Creek flooded extensively due to backwater from the Ohio River, which forced some evacuations of residents in the Pettit area. Firefighters assisted three people out of their homes. Panther Creek covered parts of U.S. Highway 431 and surrounded a few major businesses such a home improvement store. The Red Cross opened a shelter. A riverside park and parts of Water Street in Owensboro were flooded. Countywide, 63 county roads and 18 state roads were closed.

Flood in HENDERSON, KENTUCKY
From 14-APR-11 10:00:00 to 30-APR-11 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALZEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Due to Ohio River flooding, a horse-racing track was surrounded by floodwater. Near the confluence of the Green and Ohio Rivers, a number of homes were enveloped by water near Spottsville. At least 80 county roads and a much smaller number of state roads were closed by flooding. U.S. Highway 60 was closed from Spottsville to the Daviess County line. A Red Cross shelter was opened for a very small number of evacuees, mostly from the Reed and Beals communities. There was considerable flooding of low-lying agricultural land, forcing farmers to delay planting.