River Boat Closures Due to Ohio River Flooding

Source: picture alliance / Getty

Businesses Along Riverboat Row in Newport Closed Due to Ohio River Flooding

Several businesses along Riverboat Row in Newport, Kentucky, including popular spots like Hooters and The Beer Sellar, are temporarily closed due to the high waters of the Ohio River, which have flooded their entrances. The river’s current height exceeds 52 feet, causing significant disruption to these local establishments as the flooding has submerged the ramps leading to their front doors.

This flooding has prevented these businesses from opening this week, and the impacts are compounded by the recent closure of the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge and the typically slow winter season for tourism and local commerce. The combination of these factors has left businesses in this popular riverfront area struggling to operate, as the lack of foot traffic and the difficulty in accessing the area have created a challenging environment.

Newport’s Economic Development Coordinator has expressed sympathy for the affected businesses, acknowledging the impact that the flooding has had on their ability to serve customers. The coordinator remains hopeful that once the waters recede and conditions improve, businesses along Riverboat Row will be able to recover and resume normal operations.

Additionally, BB Riverboats, a popular river cruise company in the area, has also ceased operations temporarily due to the flooding. However, with the Ohio River expected to gradually decrease in height over the next few days, there is hope that these disruptions will be short-lived, and businesses in the area will be able to bounce back soon.

As the water levels decrease and the situation improves, the community and business owners remain optimistic about the resurgence of activity along Riverboat Row, anticipating the return of both locals and visitors to this scenic riverside district.