Improved River Levels Alleviate Shipping Concerns, Pave Way for Flood Concerns

River levels have been returning to normal in some of the most drought-stricken portions of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, so much so that some areas are nearing minor flood stages.

The moisture alleviates transportation issues that caused some barges to stay put, reducing basis for farmers who typically rely on exports through the Gulf of Mexico. But a new concern could arise this spring. As of February 23, the National Weather Service said the “overall risk for flooding this spring is above normal along the main stem of the Mississippi River.”

The actual picture has yet to be painted as ice remains in the more Northern lock and dams. Overall, river levels are satisfactory, leading intoto spring planting and export movement. But should the coming weeks yield higher-than-expected precipitation, flooding concerns will be just as prevalent as drought just five months ago.

Read more on river levels and precipitation here.