Soil moisture revelations after historic floods inundate the US: A business-critical recap

Extreme weather tests business resilience as flooding disrupts supply chains and reveals critical soil moisture shifts. 

A multi-day deluge submerges parts of the Ohio and Mississippi valleys  

In early April, a historic and deadly weather event unfolded across the Ohio and mid-Mississippi valleys, as an unrelenting storm system dumped more than a foot of rain across multiple states in just four days. Parts of Kentucky and Tennessee saw several months’ worth of rainfall in less than a week, resulting in serious flooding that caused at least 24 fatalities and caused an estimated $80 billion to $90 billion in damages. 

From central Arkansas to central Kentucky, communities and businesses found themselves submerged in floodwaters, with roads impassable, homes inundated, and river transport halted. In Kentucky alone, more than 500 roads were shut down due to water and mudslide damage. 

The Ohio River crested just shy of 37 feet near downtown Louisville, Kentucky—ranking among the city’s top 10 worst floods on record. More than 200 river gauges across the region surpassed flood stage, with dozens reaching "major flood" thresholds. As floodwaters continued to move downstream, emergency officials warned communities in southern Illinois, Missouri, and Louisiana to brace for further impacts. 

Before-and-after satellite imagery shared by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) captured the dramatic transformation of the region’s waterways, making the scale of the flooding unmistakable from space. 

The meteorological setup: A perfect storm for disaster 

Our meteorologists at Spire Weather & Climate analyzed the unique setup that triggered this catastrophic event. The primary driver was a slow-moving upper-level low-pressure system that became lodged over the region. This atmospheric blockade created ideal conditions for what meteorologists call "training thunderstorms"—a sequence of storms that repeatedly pass over the same area like train cars on a track. 

This setup was further fueled by abundant Gulf moisture and strong temperature gradients. The convergence of warm, moist air from the south and cooler air from the north enhanced instability, leading to widespread severe weather outbreaks, which spawned tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and large hail. 

Rainfall totals surpassed 10-15 inches in some areas, with rates exceeding 2 inches per hour at times—far beyond what rivers, streams, and storm drains could handle. The National Weather Service had accurately described the potential in advance as "generational flooding," and the outcome tragically lived up to the warning. 

Soil moisture: From drought to saturation in days 

Leading up to the event, portions of southeastern Missouri and central and eastern Arkansas were experiencing well below-average soil moisture levels, as indicated by Spire’s high-resolution Soil Moisture Insights. 

However, that quickly changed. By April 5 and 6, soil moisture across the impacted zones had spiked to above-average levels. One localized example: In Utica, Indiana—an area affected by flooding—a time series of 500 m soil moisture data revealed spikes from routine rainfall in mid-to-late March, followed by a noteworthy surge in early April. 

This saturation not only intensified surface runoff and flash flooding but also increased the risk of mudslides and prolonged standing water, both of which complicate recovery for farmers, construction crews, and logistics providers. 

Business impacts: Supply chains, agriculture, and economic fallout 

The implications for businesses across the region are staggering. From halted production to stalled transport and lost crop yields, here’s how flooding impacts business and commerce: 

River transport grinds to a halt 

Barge traffic along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers—a key component of US inland shipping—has been severely disrupted. High water levels prevented barges from safely passing beneath loading equipment. Tugboat operators reduced tow sizes for safety, significantly slowing cargo movement. Agricultural exports and industrial goods shipments have faced major delays. 

Farms underwater, with poor timing for growers 

Floodwaters submerged farmland across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas, delaying spring planting. Equipment couldn’t access saturated fields, and many newly planted crops were lost. Damage to soft red wheat, a staple in this region, may lower overall yields and cut into farm revenues during a crucial part of the growing season. 

Iconic business closures 

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky—America’s oldest continuously operating distillery—was forced to shut down after the Kentucky River flooded its grounds. Officials described "substantial damage," with ripple effects on tourism, production, and regional employment. Other riverside businesses, including logistics and manufacturing hubs in Memphis and Cincinnati, faced similar threats to operations. 

Infrastructure and economic losses 

Estimates peg the total damages at up to $90 billion—costly for a non-hurricane disaster in the US. This includes destroyed infrastructure, business property losses, and the broader economic drag from closed facilities and displaced workers. In many cases, insurance gaps may leave businesses without coverage unless they hold specific flood protection. 

Supply chains strained 

The closure of hundreds of roads and the choking of river commerce have stranded shipments across the region. Delays in moving commodities, fertilizer, and grain reporting have triggered bottlenecks that could reverberate well beyond the flood zone. The Mississippi River is forecast to reach its highest levels in four years in Baton Rouge—another potential logistical pinch point for downstream trade impacts. 

A wake-up call for resilience planning 

The April floods offer a stark reminder of how quickly weather can unravel business operations across sectors—from agriculture and energy to retail, logistics, and finance. 

Events like this one serve as a wake-up call for companies to re-evaluate risk exposure across their supply chains and assets. Investing in hyper-local, high-resolution forecasts and soil moisture monitoring, like those offered by Spire, can offer crucial lead time for decision-makers facing severe weather threats. 

Even as recovery begins and floodwaters recede, the economic ripples will only start to surface. 

Have any soil moisture product questions? Contact Dennis Quick , Spire Remote Sensing Data Analyst and Sales Engineer, or visit our page on Soil Moisture Insights 

Written by Meghan Mussoline, Spire Weather & Climate Content Manager