The greater Columbus area can expect showers and thunderstorms to end the weekend as central Ohioans look ahead to another soggy week.
Occasional showers and thunderstorms are likely starting around 2 p.m. on Sept. 20, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. Daytime new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. It will be mostly cloudy between shower, with a high near 84 degrees.
More showers and thunderstorms are likely heading into the evening. The chance of precipitation is 80%, and new rainfall amounts could range between a half an inch and three quarters of an inch.
Some of the storms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall and localized flooding, according to the NWS. There is also the possibility
of a few strong to severe storms in the afternoon and evening, with damaging winds being the primary concern.
Pickaway County under flood advisory
In addition to central Ohio being under a hazardous weather outlook, Pickaway County is also currently under a flood advisory.
Southern Pickaway County and northern Ross County are under a flood advisory until 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 20. Overnight rainfall between 1 inch and 2.5 inches caused minor flooding. While no additional rainfall is expected, the NWS said flooding may continue.
According to the Pickaway County Emergency Management Agency, the county experienced "torrential" rain over the weekend that caused flooding, with "substantial" flooding in the southeast corner of the county.
Evacuations began at 2 a.m. near State Route 56 around Saltcreek Drive and Hayesville Road. A Red Cross shelter is set up at Union-Scioto Schools at 1565 Egypt Pike in Chillicothe, and Hocking Hills Elementary School opened a shelter at 19197 State Route 664 South.
Pickaway County Emergency Management Agency warned residents to "turn around, don't drown" when approaching flooded roadways.
“It does not take much water to lift a vehicle. You also do not know what is in the water — sharp objects or electric lines”, the agency said in a press release. “It can be difficult to tell where the road is or if it is washed out.”
Columbus forecast for week of Sept. 20
The National Weather Service is predicting the following forecast for the week ahead in the Columbus area
Monday, Sept. 21: Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day. There will be a high near 71 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Monday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. will turn to overnight showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low temperature around 58. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, but higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday, Sept. 22: A mostly cloudy first day of fall, with a high near 71 degrees. A chance of overnight showers could bring new precipitation of less than a tenth of an inch.
Wednesday, Sept. 23: Showers likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68 degrees. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday, Sept. 24: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69 degrees.
Friday, Sept. 25: Partly sunny, with a high near 69 degrees.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71 degrees.
Higher education reporter Sheridan Hendrix can be reached at shendrix@dispatch.com and on Signal at @sheridan.120. You can follow her on Instagram at @sheridanwrites.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Rain, thunderstorms and flooding expected this week in Columbus area
