Flooding in Ohio, January 19 to 22, 1996

Flood waters from the Allegheny and the Monongahela Rivers crested in phase at the Point in Pittsburgh. Water from these two mainstem rivers flow into the Ohio River. Major flooding to communities along the Ohio River occurred in Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont, and Monroe Counties in east-central Ohio. The Ohio River at East Liverpool went above its 14 foot flood stage on the 19th at 10 pm EST. The river crested at 24.8 feet (10.8 feet above flood stage) on the 20th at 7 pm. Crests downstream were not as high, Hannibal, Ohio crested at 39.4 feet (4.4 feet above flood stage) on the 21st at 1 pm. Nonetheless, damages to homes and businesses and their contents, public facilities, bridges and roads along the river were enormous. In Columbiana County 318 residences were affected, 14 minimally, 107 minor damage, 136 major damage, and 61 destroyed. Seven businesses sustained minor damage. In Jefferson County, a total of 187 residences were affected by the flooding, 136 minimally, 49 major damage, and 2 destroyed. Eight businesses had minor damage, 1 minor damage, and 4 destroyed. In Belmont County, 318 residences were effected, 14 minimally, 107 minor damage, 136 major damage, and 61 were destroyed. In Monroe County, 85 residences were affected, 35 minor damage and 50 with major damage. Seven businesses had major damage.