List of rivers that have reversed direction


A number of rivers are known to have reversed the direction of their flow, either permanently or temporarily, in response to geological activity, weather events, climate change, tides, or direct human intervention.

Temporary reversals

Daily

All tidal sections of rivers reverse their flow with the tide about twice a day, by definition. The following are notable examples.
RiverOutletContinentReferences
Hudson RiverUpper New York BayNorth America
Saint John River Bay of FundyNorth America
Salmon RiverBay of FundyNorth America
Channel of VivariStraits of CorfuEurope

Intermittent

Hurricane storm surges often cause temporary reversals of coastal rivers.
RiverOutletContinentDate of reversalCause of reversalReferences
Chicago RiverMississippi RiverNorth America2017 and othersStorm surge
Mississippi RiverGulf of MexicoNorth America1812Tectonic uplift caused by New Madrid earthquakes
Mississippi RiverGulf of MexicoNorth America2005Storm surge from Hurricane Katrina
Mississippi RiverGulf of MexicoNorth America2012Storm surge from Hurricane Isaac
Mississippi RiverGulf of MexicoNorth America2021Storm surge from Hurricane Ida