Monday, February 26, 2018

Where is everybody?

With a rain-swollen Ohio River in the background, the basketball court at McClelland Park in Huntington, W.Va., was empty and quiet on a Monday afternoon.


Thanks to the teacher strike, kids weren't in school today. But they weren't anywhere to be seen outside, either. It was a fine warm day. The air temperatures and the sunlight all shouted spring, but no one took advantage.


Another big flood


Every few years someone along the Ohio River must deal with a flood that will be remembered. This year so far it's been Cincinnati and Louisville, with communities downriver preparing for what is to come.

Navigation has effectively been shut down as locks close, and on-shore river-related businesses deal with being under water.

Comparisons are being made to 1997, which was the flood of record since the system of flood-control dams on the tributaries was completed.