State of Emergency declared in flooded Ohio

State of Emergency declared in flooded Ohio

Heavy rains overnight have sent the already swollen Ohio River at Cincinnati to its highest point in 20 years with the river expected to remain above flood stage through the end of the week, a National Weather Service meteorologist said Sunday.

Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches (3.8 - 6 centimetres) of rain fell across southern Ohio from Saturday night into Sunday morning accompanied by high winds and a reported tornado touchdown in Brown County.

Meteorologist Kristen Cassady said the river reached 60 feet (18.3 meters) Sunday morning at its Cincinnati recording station, 8 feet (2.4 meters) above flood stage, and could reach 60.6 feet (18.5 meters) on Sunday afternoon, bringing the highest recordings since 1997, when the river reached 64.7 feet (19.7 meters).

Local streams and rivers overflowing their banks have caused road closings throughout central and southern Ohio.

Gov. John Kasich issued an emergency declaration Saturday in 17 counties that would make National Guard soldiers available to help flooded communities if needed.

Roughly 20 miles (32 kilometres) east of Cincinnati, the Ohio River village of New Richmond, more than 40 homes and businesses have been affected by flooding, Village Administrator Greg Roberts said Sunday. Residents evacuated their homes starting Friday into Sunday, he said.

(Source: AP)


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku