CINCINNATI — The Ohio River rose to 60 feet Monday morning — more than double its normal height — and has caused flooding in parts of the city. 

Because of the rising flood waters, the city has extended road closures and opened emergency shelters for residents. 

The city said it's extending road closures on Kellogg Avenue and Mehring Way until further notice. Many other roads are closed in Hamilton County and can be found here. The city is urging residents to remain cautious while driving, and if there is high water on a road, turn around and don't drive through it. 

The city warned additional road closures may happen depending on how high the river gets.

Many Cincinnati parks will also be inaccessible, including Smale, Yeatman's Cove and Sawyer Point. California Woods is also closed because of flooding. 

"While we understand the desire to observe and document this flooding, please stay out of the area for your own safety," the city urged in a release. The city added the area south of Mehring from Central Avenue to the Boathouse will be filled with debris, could potentially have unsafe water quality and fast-moving flood waters. The city has also removed lighting fixtures from the area, which will reduce visibility at night. 

The city said it's collaborating with the Red Cross to open an emergency shelter for community members displaced by flooding. For those in need of shelter, call 1-800-RED-CROSS and they will help direct you for the nearest shelter. Shelters include: 

  • Pendleton County: Northward Christian Camp — 154 Northward Rd. in Falmouth, Ky.
  • Kenton County: Latonia Elementary School — 3901 Huntington Ave. in Covington, Ky.
  • Dearborn County: Christian Life Center — 201 West Connell in Aurora, Ind.
  • Clermont County: New Richmond High School — 1135 Bethel New Richmond Rd.
  • Hamilton County: Oakley Recreation Center — 3882 Paxton Ave. in Cincinnati

Residents are encouraged to use 311Cincy for non-emergency needs and to sign up for CincyAlert, powered by Smart911, to keep updated on the latest information on the flooding. 

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