Alert archive / Kentucky / Flash Flood Warnings in 2026

Flash Flood Warning 39, NWS Wilmington, OH

July 21, 2026Grant County, Owen County, Kentucky

NWS Wilmington, OH issued this flash flood warning at Jul 21, 2026, 4:04 PM EDT for Grant County, Owen County, Kentucky. It was in force for 44 min. 2 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued: Jul 21, 2026, 4:04 PM EDT (20:04 UTC)
Expired: Jul 21, 2026, 4:48 PM EDT
In force: 44 min
Issued by: NWS Wilmington, OH
Area: Storm-based polygon
Flood severity: None

Counties Grant County, KY, Owen County, KY

The radar

The Cincinnati radar (KILN), 115 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:07 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

Time	Report	Where	Remark
Jul 21, 4:13 PM EDT	FLASH FLOOD	3 Ssw Williamstown, KY	High water was reported over US- 25 and Hickory Road.
Jul 21, 4:40 PM EDT	FLASH FLOOD	5 S Williamstown, KY	High water over Turner Road and Lincoln Ridge Roads near Fork Lick Creek.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 2 storm reports to this flash flood warning; the first came 9 minutes after it went out.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Cncnati-Daytn, OH (KILN), launched 12:00Z, 8.1 hours before the alert went out and 117 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 956 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -55 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 883 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 47 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 172 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 149 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 0.9
Supercell composite: 5.9

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

020 
WGUS51 KILN 212004
FFWILN
KYC081-187-212300-
/O.NEW.KILN.FF.W.0039.260721T2004Z-260721T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
404 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Central Grant County in northern Kentucky...
  Northeastern Owen County in northern Kentucky...

* Until 700 PM EDT.

* At 404 PM EDT, radar and automated rain gauges indicated
  thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between
  1.5 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts
  of 1 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding
  is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

  HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

  SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

  IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
           highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
           drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Williamstown, Corinth, Stewartsville, Lawrenceville, Twin Bridges,
  Holbrook, Keefer, Cherry Grove, Camp Northward, Eagle Hill and
  Cordova.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

To report flash flooding, go to our website at weather.gov/iln and
submit your report via social media, when you can do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3873 8478 3864 8455 3860 8450 3856 8448
      3851 8449 3851 8452 3849 8456 3864 8482
      3869 8488 3870 8486 3870 8485 3871 8483
      3870 8481 3871 8481

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED

$$

Aiena

1 follow-up statement

785 
WGUS71 KILN 212048
FFSILN

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
448 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

KYC081-187-212058-
/O.CAN.KILN.FF.W.0039.000000T0000Z-260721T2300Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Grant KY-Owen KY-
448 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR CENTRAL GRANT AND
NORTHEASTERN OWEN COUNTIES...

Flood waters have receded. The heavy rain has ended. Flooding is no
longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to heed remaining
road closures.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 1200 AM EDT Wednesday for
portions of Kentucky and Ohio.

&&

LAT...LON 3873 8478 3864 8455 3860 8450 3856 8448
      3851 8449 3851 8452 3849 8456 3864 8482
      3869 8488 3870 8486 3870 8485 3871 8483
      3870 8481 3871 8481

$$

JDR

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this flash flood warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Wilmington, OH wrote its last area forecast discussion before this flash flood warning went out at Jul 21, 1:54 PM EDT, 2 hours 10 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

Key Message 1) Thunderstorms are expected through early evening, with severe storms possible, as well as potential for flooding. Key Message 2) Drier and cooler conditions expected through the rest of the week.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 21, 1:54 PM EDT, 2 hours 10 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
154 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Flood Watch issued for this afternoon and evening across our
southeast.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...
Key Message 1) Thunderstorms are expected through early evening,
with severe storms possible, as well as potential for flooding.

Key Message 2) Drier and cooler conditions expected through the rest
of the week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Key Message 1)

First round of storms have generally pushed through the region, with
increasing coverage of storms especially in the Tri State and central
Ohio areas at this time. This round has much with greater potential
for strong/severe storms largely through 22-00z. Keeping an eye on
singular/discrete cells and potential for rotation/a tornado or 2 is
possible. Damaging winds remain the main threat though.  Flood watch
was expanded just slightly north as PW values at/just above 2" are
yielding very efficient heavy rain in the thunderstorms this morning.
While overall storms should be progressive, repeated storms over the
same area has prompted the slightly expanded Flood Watch.

Regional atmosphere able to destabilize following morning convection
ahead of the main shortwave trough over the Great Lakes, with
mesoanalysis indicating the potential for SB CAPES recovering to 3000
J/Kg. With the main frontal boundary stretching from NW Ohio into
north Central Indiana, the severe threat is diminishing for the far NW
quadrant of our CWA. Best chance for convective development/severe
storms will be along and ahead of the pre frontal trough -
essentially along/south of I70, with the greatest potential in areas
near/south of the Ohio River and south central/central Ohio. The
main threat with the 50-60kts of bulk shear will be damaging winds,
and with 0-1km shear is 20-25kts in this area, a tornado or 2 can't
be ruled out. The main threat for discrete/rotating storms will be in
the early part of the storm event, largely before 21z, with the
potential for a QLCS continuing through the region - exiting by 00z.

Key Message 2)

High pressure will build into the region behind the front for mid
week. Calmer/drier/cooler weather is expected into the late week.
Temperatures will then begin to slowly moderate toward more
seasonable values as we head into the weekend.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
In anticipation of additional convective development, with remaining
uncertainty for especially KDAY/KCMH/KLCK, have tweaked potential
timing of the thunderstorms slightly earlier, with TEMPO
thunderstorms largely from 18-22z, though isolated thunderstorms
between 22-00z didn't warrant a tempo or prob at this time.

Gusty winds in excess of 40 knots and very heavy rainfall will be
possible with thunderstorms through 22-00z, and as the frontal
boundary sinks through the area between 21-02z, winds will shift to NW
and gust to near 25kts and then diminish shortly after FROPA.

Drier air moving in behind the front will also lead to a decreasing
cloud trend overnight into Wednesday. Expecting possible MVFR to even
IFR at KLUK.

OUTLOOK...No significant weather expected.

&&

.ILN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
OH...Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for OHZ073-074-077>082-088.
KY...Flood Watch until midnight EDT tonight for KYZ089>100.
IN...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...JDR
AVIATION...JDR

Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 21, 11:39 AM EDT, 4 hours 25 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
1139 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

INZ050-058-059-066-073>075-080-OHZ026-034-035-042>046-051>056-
060>065-070>072-221545-
Wayne-Fayette-Union-Franklin-Ripley-Dearborn-Ohio-Switzerland-Hardin-
Mercer-Auglaize-Darke-Shelby-Logan-Delaware-Miami-Champaign-Clark-
Madison-Licking-Preble-Montgomery-Greene-Pickaway-Fairfield-Butler-
Warren-Clinton-
1139 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Indiana,
southeast Indiana, central Ohio, southwest Ohio and west central
Ohio.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Occasional thunderstorms are expected into this evening. Some severe
storms will be possible, especially this afternoon into evening.
Damaging wind will be the primary threat. Large hail and an isolated
tornado will also be possible.

In addition, some of the storms will be capable of producing very
heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed.

KYZ089>100-OHZ073-074-077>082-088-221545-
Carroll-Gallatin-Boone-Kenton-Campbell-Owen-Grant-Pendleton-Bracken-
Robertson-Mason-Lewis-Ross-Hocking-Hamilton-Clermont-Brown-Highland-
Adams-Pike-Scioto-
1139 AM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Kentucky, northern
Kentucky, central Ohio, south central Ohio and southwest Ohio.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

Occasional thunderstorms are expected into this evening. Some severe
storms will be possible, especially this afternoon into evening.
Damaging wind will be the primary threat. Large hail and an isolated
tornado will also be possible.

In addition, some of the storms will be capable of producing very
heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Jul 21, 3:49 PM EDT, 15 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
349 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0309 PM     Flood            Sunbury                 40.24N 82.86W
07/21/2026                   Delaware           OH   911 Call Center

            Street flooding in Sunbury.

&&

Local storm report, Jul 21, 3:55 PM EDT, 9 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
355 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0314 PM     Flash Flood      1 SE Saint Bernard      39.16N 84.48W
07/21/2026                   Hamilton           OH   Public

            Corrects previous tstm wnd dmg report from 1
            SE Saint Bernard. Flash flooding in Paddock
            Hills. Video posted on social media.

&&

Local storm report, Jul 21, 3:57 PM EDT, 7 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
357 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0341 PM     Flash Flood      2 SSE Norwood           39.14N 84.44W
07/21/2026                   Hamilton           OH   Public

            Fast responding high water over Edwards Road
            and other streets in the Hyde Park area.

&&

Special weather statement, Jul 21, 3:58 PM EDT, 6 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
358 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

OHZ065-074-212045-
Fairfield OH-Hocking OH-
358 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHEASTERN
FAIRFIELD AND HOCKING COUNTIES THROUGH 445 PM EDT...

At 357 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located 8 miles west of
Hocking Hills State Park, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Lancaster, Logan, Nelsonville, Bremen, Hocking Hills State Park,
Hide-A-Way Hills, Starr, Laurelville, Murray City, Sugar Grove, US
Route 22 at State Route 159, Ilesboro, Haydenville, South
Bloomingville, Clearport, North Berne, Union Furnace, Oreville,
Carbon Hill, and Buena Vista in Hocking County.

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
central Ohio.

To report hazardous weather conditions, go to our website at
weather.gov/iln and submit your report via social media, when you can
do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3947 8217 3947 8228 3938 8229 3939 8251
      3937 8252 3937 8263 3936 8264 3937 8274
      3970 8272 3972 8237 3960 8238 3959 8226
      3956 8226 3956 8216
TIME...MOT...LOC 1957Z 255DEG 35KT 3947 8269

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Clark

Local storm report, Jul 21, 4:00 PM EDT, 4 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
400 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0255 PM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     3 SSW Amelia            38.99N 84.23W
07/21/2026                   Clermont           OH   Amateur Radio

            4-5 inch diameter tree fell into a house.

&&

Local storm report, Jul 21, 4:04 PM EDT, 0 minutes before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Wilmington OH
404 PM EDT Tue Jul 21 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0320 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     1 W Sparta              38.68N 84.93W
07/21/2026  M52 MPH          Gallatin           KY   AWOS

            K8GK AWOS.

&&

The office that day

Everything else NWS Wilmington, OH issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Jul 21, 4:17 AM EDT	Flood Watch	ILN	Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant and 6 more	14 hr
Jul 21, 11:03 AM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILN	Boone, Campbell, Kenton	42 min
Jul 21, 2:25 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	ILN	Boone	50 min
Jul 21, 2:39 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILN	Carroll	36 min
Jul 21, 2:41 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	ILN	Campbell	49 min
Jul 21, 2:50 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	ILN	Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Owen	40 min
Jul 21, 3:01 PM EDT	Tornado Warning	ILN	Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Owen	44 min
Jul 21, 3:33 PM EDT	Areal Flood Advisory	ILN	Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Owen	3 hr
Jul 21, 3:34 PM EDT	Tornado Warning	ILN	Grant, Owen, Pendleton	41 min
Jul 21, 4:14 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	ILN	Lewis	46 min
Jul 21, 4:42 PM EDT	Areal Flood Advisory	ILN	Lewis	19 min
Jul 21, 4:43 PM EDT	Tornado Warning	ILN	Lewis	32 min
Jul 21, 4:55 PM EDT	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	ILN	Lewis	43 min
Jul 21, 5:01 PM EDT	Flash Flood Warning	ILN	Lewis	63 min
Jul 21, 5:14 PM EDT	Special Weather Statement	ILN	Lewis	31 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Kentucky, 2026 Every flash flood warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.