LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As temperatures rise for the first time in more than two weeks, Louisville’s Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) is monitoring river levels and clearing catch basins to manage snow melt from the recent winter storm.
Officials said they do not expect flooding similar to the historic events that affected the city last spring.
MSD crews are tracking river level forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as they prepare for runoff from remaining snow across the metro area.
“We watch that to see how high, how fast, how slow — whatever the river level is going to do — and we base our actions on those levels,” said Sheryl Lauder, communications director for MSD.
Lauder said she does not anticipate the need to activate any of MSD’s flood pumping plants during this snow melt.
“Mother Nature drains it out much quicker than we can pump it,” she said.
The Beargrass Pumping Station and other facilities remain staffed and ready if conditions change.
“Different pieces of the flood protection puzzle go into service at different times depending on what their elevation is,” Lauder said, explaining that underground stormwater pipes would be the first measures activated if necessary.
Rather than focusing on rising Ohio River levels, MSD is prioritizing keeping catch basins clear so melting snow can drain properly.
“If it’s clogged up, then the water that melts can’t get in there and drain away,” Lauder said.
She encouraged residents to contact MSD if they notice water ponding in streets, which can indicate blocked drains.
“We can keep that water flowing and get it out of the city as quickly as possible,” she said.
Lauder said she hopes for a calmer flood season following the devastating floods of 2025.
“I’m hoping for a less eventful flood season. I think everyone is,” she said.
Historic flooding last April forced the cancellation of Thunder Over Louisville and put heavy strain on city infrastructure, including MSD equipment.
“That was a big stressor on our system to have those back-to-back floods in February and April,” Lauder said.
MSD has since repaired all 27 miles of Louisville’s flood protection system, which is now prepared to handle the 2026 snow melt.
Lauder said the current snow melt is expected to have minimal impact, and MSD does not anticipate any roadway closures related to the event.
Residents who need help clearing a catch basin can call (502) 540-6000.
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