Flooding likely near St. Joseph, Tiffin rivers

A flood watch remains in effect for parts of northwest Ohio through Sunday evening, and minor flooding is expected during the next few days in several areas where rain and snowmelt have caused rivers to overflow their banks.

Flood warnings have been posted by the National Weather Service for several rivers, including the Tiffin River, affecting Fulton, Williams, and Defiance counties.

Flooding occurred Saturday along the Tiffin River near Stryker, where the river is expected to rise above flood stage. Flood stage is 11 feet. The river is expected to rise to a crest near 13.1 feet about 8 a.m. tomorrow. At 13 feet, floodwaters begin to affect some farm buildings near Stryker and some flooding of secondary roads occurs.

Minor flooding is expected along the St. Joseph River near Montpelier. Flood stage is 12 feet, and Saturday morning the river was at 11.5 feet. The river is expected to rise to near flood stage about 8 p.m. Sunday. At 12 feet, flooding of low land and farmland begins near the river.

A flood watch remains in effect through this evening in several counties, including Erie, Hancock, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, and Wyandot in northwest Ohio.

Periods of rain will continue, and the region could be soaked by a half inch to an inch of rain by late Sunday.

The weather service reminds motorists never to drive through flooded areas because water might be too deep to allow safe passage.

It also reminds that children should not play in or near floodwaters.