Flood warnings issued across NW Ohio

1/13/2013

With more rain on the way, flooding is likely today in some lowland areas in northwest Ohio, such as along the Maumee River in Waterville and Grand Rapids.

Another round of moderate to heavy rain is expected to head into the Toledo area later today, bringing up to an additional half inch of rain. Locations from Findlay to Sandusky could receive an additional inch of rain. Storm total rainfall will range from one and a half to two and a half inches, according to the National Weather Service which has issued flood warnings for several areas in Ohio.

A flood warning continues for the Maumee River at Waterville where at 10 a.m. today the river was at 8.3 feet; flood stage is 9 feet. Minor flooding is forecast with the river rising above flood stage later today. The river will continue to rise to near 11.1 feet by early Tuesday morning. At 12 feet residences along the river may experience basement flooding. Parks near the river in the Waterville and Maumee areas could experience flooding as well as other lowland areas near the river, according to the weather service. 

A flood warning continues for the Maumee River near Grand Rapids where earlier today the river was at 11.8 feet; flood stage is 15 feet. Minor flooding is forecast. The river, according to the National Weather Service, will rise above flood stage later today and will continue to rise to near 15.5 feet by Monday night. At 16.5 feet, Thurston State Park would flood, and at 15 feet lowland flooding would occur near Grand Rapids and along secondary roads in the area.

Flood warnings also have been issued for the Portage River at Woodville and the Blanchard River near Findlay, and in addition, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for several portions of northwest Ohio, including in Hancock, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, and Wyandot counties until 7 p.m. today.

Low-lying areas and small streams already are experiencing high water in many places. Residents and businesses near waterways should be on the alert for rising water today, according to the weather service.