5 places to watch the floodwaters safely

They came. They gawked. They were asked to leave.

Despite Cincinnati police officers' best efforts, the allure of the worst Ohio River flooding in two decades brought onlookers right to the flooding's edge at Smale Riverfront Park.

Adults and children alike were seen splashing in the floodwaters at Smale Park, despite official warnings about the health hazards of floodwater.

So, what's a curious person to do if the city's front lawn is closed and the Ohio River is at its highest since the 1997 flood?

Here are five overlooks that'll keep you out of harm's way (and the way of first responders), but give you a good story to tell tomorrow:

Devou Park

Head across the river to Devou Park in Covington for a view that's a favorite of professional and amateur photographers.

Address: 1201 Park Dr. Covington, Kentucky 41011

Lars Anderson Park

Located above Columbia Parkway, this vista will give you a perspective of flooding on the east side of the city.

Address: 2905 Golden Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45226

Mount Echo

The view from Mount Echo shows the impact of the Ohio River flooding on Ludlow and Bromley in Northern Kentucky.

Address: 202 Crestline Dr. Cincinnati, Ohio 45205

Shawnee Lookout

Address: 2008 Lawrenceburg Road, North Bend, Ohio 45052

Walk the Roebling Bridge

It's a quintessential Cincinnati walk. The floodwaters only make the view more impressive.

Park: At Fountain Square or use metered parking on Fourth Street.

Walk: South to the river on Walnut or Vine streets and cross the Roebling Bridge to Covington.

Now that you've gotten to your lookout, here's how to take pictures that'll wow your friends on social media.

More: Cincinnati flooding: A day of record rainfall worsens road flooding, disrupts region

More: Cincinnati road closures: Latest updates as flooding persists

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