Scioto River at Frank Road

1. 30.00 ftWidespread flooding near the river outside the Franklinton flood wall protection occurs. The flood wall protects the west bank of the river to 30.9 feet, with flooding in the Brewery District along and west of Short Street, and the Arena District closest to the river along West Spring and West Long Streets. Flooding in this area is confined to west of Neil Avenue. Extensive flooding occurs along and west of Riverside. Much of Jackson Pike floods, as well as areas of West Mound Street and Frank Road.
2. 28.80 ftThis is approximately equivalent to the FEMA 1 percent flood. Portions of Greenlawn Avenue flood, as well as Lou Berliner Park and some businesses in the Brewery District along Short Street. Portions of the Jackson Pike Wastewater treatment plant are flooded. In addition, some businesses are flooded in the River South District near West Mound Street west of Front Street.
3. 28.50 ftPortions of Greenlawn Avenue flood, as well as Lou Berliner Park and some businesses in the Brewery District along Short Street. Floodwall closures shut down Route 315, Greenlawn, Harmon and McKinley Roads. Portions of the Jackson Pike Wastewater treatment plant are flooded. In addition, some businesses are flooded in the River South District near West Mound Street west of Front Street.
4. 27.20 ftMajor river flooding outside the City of Columbus occurs. While the city itself is protected at stages above this level, the Franklinton flood wall closes off several roadways, including potentially Route 315.
5. 27.00 ftMajor river flooding outside the City of Columbus occurs. While the city itself is protected at stages above this level, the Franklinton flood wall closes off several roadways, including McKinley, Harmon and Greenlawn Avenues.
6. 26.00 ftLowland flooding worsens, especially in Marion Township near the Scioto River. The City of Columbus continues to erect the Franklinton flood wall to protect the city itself from flooding. The Franklinton flood wall and levee system protects the city to a stage of 30.9 feet. Outside the flood wall, moderate flooding occurs, with high water throughout Franklin County.
7. 24.00 ftWhile much of the city remains protected at this stage, flooding occurs along the river outside the City of Columbus. A stage of this level will cause flooding along the Scioto River in southern Franklin County, mainly in Franklin and Jackson townships, as well as areas near Haul Road in south Columbus. McKinley Avenue is closed at 24.2 feet due to floodgate closure. Route 23 High Street is flooded near I-270.
8. 22.00 ftU.S. 23 is flooded near I-270.
9. 21.00 ftHigh water impacts the ramp from Interstate 270 east to Route 23 north on the south side of Columbus.

Chance of flooding, September to November

The three-month chances are the River Forecast Centers’ long-range flood outlook, issued September 15, 2026.

Most recent crests

• April 6, 2025: 22.37 ft
• May 19, 2020: 24.20 ft
• March 20, 2020: 22.22 ft
• June 20, 2019: 19.70 ft
• April 4, 2018: 23.95 ft
• February 25, 2018: 21.90 ft
• November 19, 2017: 21.12 ft
• June 23, 2016: 19.58 ft
• June 20, 2015: 21.24 ft
• December 22, 2013: 23.90 ft

• UpstreamScioto River at Columbus 5th Avenue
• DownstreamScioto River at Commercial Point
• Alum Creek at Columbus
• Big Walnut Creek at Rees
• Olentangy River at Herrick Drive Columbus
• Hellbranch Run at Harrisburg
• Blacklick Creek
• Blacklick Creek

Forecasts by the Ohio River Forecast Center. Forecasts are issued routinely year-round. Stage may be affected by ice. River Forecasts typically include ONLY 2 days of future rain from <u>forecast issuance time</u> (lower right of graph). Occasionally 3 days of future rain included.

Stage, flood stages, impacts and crest history from NOAA’s National Water Prediction Service. Streamflow and the daily record from the U.S. Geological Survey.