The flood warning in Hamilton County has been lifted after storms caused heavy flooding, leading to 40 water rescues and at least four structure fires related to lightning strikes, according to the Cincinnati Fire Department.
One person was taken to the hospital during the heavy flooding in Cincinnati, fire department chief Frank McKinley said. The Emergency Operations Center was activated at 6:20 p.m. Friday, McKinley said.
Several roads in the area are closed due to flooding, the warning states. The flood warning expired at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, July 18.
However, areas of slow moving or standing water are possible in areas that got the heaviest rains Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Cincinnati flooding closes roads
Roads in parts of Hamilton County could still see flooding Saturday.
Residual flooding could lead to standing or slow-moving water in several neighborhoods, according to the flood warning.
“Some locations that may experience flooding include Cincinnati, Covington, Norwood, Fort Thomas, Reading, North College Hill, Madeira, Wyoming, Cheviot, Mount Healthy, Deer Park, Dayton, Ludlow, Finneytown, Mariemont, Terrace Park, University of Cincinnati, Rossmoyne, Plainville and Skyline Acres,” the warning states.
People are urged to turn around and not enter flooded areas on roads. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,” the warning states.
Weather forecast for Cincinnati on Saturday
Showers and storms could return Saturday, mainly after 2 p.m.
The highest chance for rain is between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. There’s a chance of severe storms and locally heavy rainfall.
Friday storms caused flash flooding
The multiple rounds of stagnant afternoon thunderstorms July 17 swamped Cincinnati east of Interstate 75 with rainfall totals officials didn’t expect.
“We didn’t expect that much rain,” said weather service meteorologist James Gibson. “Usually, the storms continue on and everyone gets an inch.”
Oakley, Madisonville, Mount Lookout, Hyde Park and Pleasant Ridge neighborhoods were hit hard, Cincinnati Fire Department Chief Frank McKinley said.
Oakley received between 4.4 and 6.6 inches of rain Friday, according to gauge-readings submitted to the National Weather Service of Wilmington.
Madeira received 4.2 inches, Gibson said.
Residents in those areas were encouraged to stay off roads and avoid travel.
Interstate 71 south beyond Ridge Avenue/Kennedy Avenue, as well as I-71 north at Ohio 562/Norwood Lateral was flooded and closed for a period of time Friday evening.
Residents posted images and videos of flooding from several areas, especially around Hyde Park, showing flowing water stranding vehicles in roads and entering businesses and homes.
Help with flooding concerns
Several departments and agencies are deploying to manage conditions, according to Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval.
Police, fire and other public departments are in affected areas to help, Pureval posted late Friday. Metro and Red Cross were also assisting, he said.
Officials urge residents to refer to CincyAlert for updates.
Metropolitan Sewer Districts advises residents to report any sewer backup at 513-352-4900, and reports will be investigated.
While 911 is the way to go for rescues or fires, residents seeking help in non-emergency situations should call 311 for city services or Duke Energy.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati flood warning lifted. Flooded roads, damaged homes remain
Reporting by Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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By Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
