Several central Ohio school districts have announced delays or closures Aug. 20 after heavy overnight rain caused flooding across parts of the region.
Most districts opted for two-hour delays to give road crews and transportation officials time to assess conditions, while a handful canceled classes altogether.
The schedule changes come after the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for much of central Ohio Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning, warning that repeated rounds of thunderstorms and already saturated ground could lead to flash flooding.
Here's a look at the school schedule changes announced for Thursday, Aug. 20, as of 7:45 a.m.
Central Ohio school closures
The
following school districts have canceled classes Thursday:
- Licking Heights Local Schools
- Pickerington Local School District
Central Ohio school delays
The following school districts are operating on a two-hour delay Aug. 20:
- Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools
- Bexley City Schools
- Bloom-Carroll Local Schools; A.M preschool canceled
- Columbus Jewish Day School
- Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools
- Genoa Christian Academy
- Granville Exempted Village School District
- Lakewood Local School District
- Madison-Plains Local School District
- New Albany-Plain Local School District
- Northridge Local School District
- Reynoldsburg City Schools
- Southwest Licking Local School District
- Walnut Township Local Schools
- Westerville City Schools
- Whitehall City Schools
This list will be updated as additional schools announce closures or delays.
Overnight flooding impacts central Ohio
Heavy rain moved across central Ohio Wednesday evening and overnight, prompting multiple Flash Flood Warnings as some communities saw flooded roads and rising creeks.
The National Weather Service warned that repeated rounds of thunderstorms, combined with already saturated ground from recent storms, increased the risk for flash flooding across the region.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways and use caution during their morning commute.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Central Ohio school delays, closures announced after flooding
