ATHENS, Ohio –– Rainfall in southeast Ohio this week has resulted in high water throughout the county. We’ve gathered information provided by the county and other resources, as of 2 p.m., Friday, April 4.
The Athens County Emergency Management Agency urged residents in a press release “to avoid driving through flooded roadways, move to higher ground if flooding becomes imminent, stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts via the HyperReach Program … check on neighbors (especially the elderly and those with limited mobility), and bring pets indoors.”
- For traffic, road debris and list of road closures impacting state routes, check out the Ohio Department of Transportation’s interactive map, updated in real time. Click to view ‘incidents’ in the map layers panel.
- For an incomplete list of county and state road closures and risks associated with this event as of 12:30 p.m., check out the list compiled by the Athens County EMA, and visit the EMA’s Facebook page for possible updates.
- To get a sense of possible future impacts, check the forecast at the Hocking River gauge in Athens from the National Water Prediction Service, updated frequently.
- For updates on conditions in Trimble and Glouster, check the Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page.
According to the EMA’s press release, rainfall will continue through the weekend, with flashflooding and standing water “likely to occur.” Per the National Weather Service’s forecast above, the Hocking River is currently forecast to reach peak flood stage at 2 a.m. Monday morning.
“Damage expected at this level includes flooding of numerous homes and roads along the mouth of the river” and the flooding of several homes and businesses along West Union Street in Athens, per the EMA’s release.
The EMA encouraged residents in its release to contact their local floodplane administrator should they see substantial damage to properties. If residents do not know who their local administrator is, they may call the Athens County Planning Office at 740-447-5890.
The release reminds residents that “Most flooding-related deaths occur in vehicles” and residents should not attempt to drive over flooded roadways.
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