Governor Mike Dewine and Ohio Emergency Management Agency prepare for potential flash-flooding
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- State leaders visited the Ohio Emergency Management Agency on Friday to give an update on the weather expected over the weekend.
Governor Mike DeWine, along with Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, say that with more rain on the way, the potential for flash flooding continues to grow even greater.
“What's concerning about the storm is its slow pace, its churning over the Midwest, continually dumping rain on the same areas of the country, including Ohio,” said Governor DeWine.
DeWine says they expect continued heavy rainfall throughout the state on and off all this weekend, including the potential for severe thunderstorms in Southwest Ohio. DeWine says another concern is that the ground is already saturated from the rainfall earlier this week.
“We currently have quite a bit of localized flooding. Our rivers and tributaries are already swollen and there are currently around 70 roads closed across the state of Ohio, 70 roads are currently closed. As this weather system continues to linger, we know this flooding will only get worse,” he said.
DeWine says they do not expect this storm to bring record levels of floodwaters, but he says they are expecting moderate flooding, which is something we haven’t seen here in Ohio since 2021.
“We expect more roads to flood over more water, and businesses and a basement and more low-lying areas will also flood,” said DeWine.
We’ve already seen significant rainfall throughout the week; the most dangerous situation, in this case, is the potential for flash flooding.
“Flash flooding can happen very quickly, and you need to make sure that you get to higher ground immediately. It's also very, very dangerous, and we've got to make sure that we never drive, walk, or wade through floodwater,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel.
Over the weekend, you must get the most up-to-date and accurate information.
“If you are under a flood warning, seek shelter immediately,” said Tressel.
The executive director of the Ohio EMA mentioned damage across multiple counties from winds and tornadoes, but she said it could have been worse.
“If you are impacted, it's a big deal. We have been somewhat lucky to this point with the severe winds and storms that have come through. There are damages, but not near what we've seen in some of our other states,” said Sima Merick, the Ohio EMA executive director.
It is important to talk with your family members and have a safety plan in place, charge your phones so you get alerts, and pack an emergency bag with things like medication and water.