The National Weather Service's Wilmington office has issued a flood watch for several central Ohio counties due to excessive rainfall forecasted for the weekend.
Franklin, Licking, Pickaway, and Fairfield counties were placed under the watch, according to the weather service. The flood watch goes into effect at 8 a.m. Sept. 12 and is set to expire midnight Sept. 13, the weather service said.
The weather service is forecasting rounds of showers and storms on Sept. 12, particularly along and southeast of Interstate 71. The weather service warns that the storms could produce heavy rainfall and cause localized flooding.
Some central Ohio cities that may be impacted include Columbus, Pickerington, Circleville, and Newark, the weather service said. Portions
of southern, eastern, and southeastern Ohio were also placed on a flood watch, including Ross, Adams, Pike, and Scioto counties.
Some water rescues occurred in Ross and Pike counties following heavy rains Wednesday and Thursday. Residents of Crooksville, the village in Perry County along Moxahala Creek that is still recovering from heavy flooding in August, were under a flood warning due to the heavy rains this week, and officials were warning residents to move their motor vehicles and other valuables to higher ground because of the potential for more flooding.
What is a flood watch?
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
What is a flood warning?
A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
What is a flood advisory?
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience. If caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and property.
How to stay safe when floods hit Ohio
One of the best ways to stay safe in a flood event is to be prepared. Here's what Ohioans should do before, during and after a flooding event:
- Prepare early: Before a flood happens, the NWS recommends comprehensive preparation for your home, pets, and family. This can mean assembling an emergency kit with food, water and medicine in case water or power services are interrupted or in the event of a flood-related evacuation. Be sure to charge any electronics beforehand and map out the safest ways to get to higher ground.
- During a flood: Avoid floodwaters and walking, swimming, or diving through any water. Instead, the NWS says to get to higher ground immediately. Don't go into a basement or flooded rooms with electrical outlets. Listen to local safety alerts and evacuate if instructed. Avoid driving in floodwaters.
- After a flood: If flood water is still present, continue to avoid going into the water. Sewage, chemicals, gas leaks, sharp objects, and live power lines are potential hidden dangers. The NWS says not to enter disaster areas, including your home, until given the all clear by authorities that the area is safe.
Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@dispatch.com, at ShahidMeighan on X, and at shahidthereporter.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: NWS issues flood watch for central Ohio, other parts of the state
