Flash Flooding and Flooding in Ohio, June 21 to 23, 2006

Thunderstorms dumped two to three inches of rain on eastern Crawford County during the morning of June 21st. Severe flooding occurred in the New Washington and Crestline areas. Several roads including State Routes 602, 598 and 96 were flooded by as much as three feet of water. Severe flooding was also reported along Connely Road west of New Washington where several cars became stranded in flood waters over three feet deep. Five houses were damaged northwest of Crestline along State Route 598. At least one of the houses had water flowing through the ground floor. Numerous other houses in the county sustained damage from basement flooding.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rainfall on Lucas County during the evening hours of June 21st. Rainall rates with the stronger storms exceeded 3 inches per hour. A peak rainfall total of 7.25 inches was measured near the University of Toledo. Other totals from across the county included: 5.15 inches in West Toledo; 5.01 inches in Richfield Township; 4.06 inches in downtown Toledo and 2.72 inches at Toledo Express Airport. Most of this rain fell between 7 and 10 p.m., and a spotter in West Toledo measured 3.4 inches of rain between 7 and 8:30 p.m. Devastating flash flooding occurred across the county with Toledo, Maumee and Sylvania especially hard hit. Roads and streets throughout the county were turned into rivers. Hundreds of vehicles became stranded in the flood waters and emergency responders performed dozens of boat rescues. Shantee Creek left it's banks causing extensive damage along Crawford and Poinsetta Avenues. Many stores at the Franklin Park Mall and dozens of homes nearby were damaged by flooding after a drainage ditch along Monroe Street (State Route 51) overflowed. Floodwaters in these areas were reported to be several feet in depth. Extensive damage was also reported on Longwood Avenue. Dozens of roads and streets had to be closed with many of them under as much as four feet of water. Two homes were destroyed in Lucas County during this event with 125 homes sustaining major damage and around 200 homes suffering minor damage. An additional 1,000 homes sustained damage from basement or nuisance flooding. The City of Toledo alone spent over $250,000 responding to this event. Local officials stated that this was the worst flooding seen in the area since July 4th, 1969.

Thunderstorms dumped as much as 8 to 10 inches of rain on portions of Ottawa County on June 21st and 22nd. Widespread flooding occurred across the county as runoff from this heavy rain made it into area streams and rivers. At the peak of the flooding, much of the county was under standing water. Numerous roads had to be closed because of flooding. Hundreds of homes sustained damage during this event. Initial estimates indicate that as much as 20 percent of the soybean crop in the county was destroyed by flooding. Local officials stated that flood damage in the county was the worst since July 4th, 1969.

Thunderstorms dumped locally heavy rains on much of Wood County during the evening hours of June 21st. The heaviest rains fell on the northern two tiers of townships. Spotters in Haskins measured 4.5 inches of rain with 4.0 inches recorded in Perrysburg and 2.50 inches at North Baltimore. Most of this rain fell between 7 and 9 p.m. Significant street and lowland flooding was reported in the Perrysburg and Lake Township areas. Several roads had to be closed because of flood waters over two feet deep. Further south, nuisance flooding occurred in and around Bowling Green. At least three buildings on the Bowling Green State University campus sustained flood damage. Hundreds of homes in the county experienced basement flooding.

Thunderstorms dumped very heavy rains on Ottawa County during the evening hours of June 21st. The rain began around 7 pm with rainfall rates later in the evening exceeding three inches per hour. Rainfall totals from the storm ranged from 6 to 8 inches in the Port Clinton area with slightly lesser amounts further east and south. Widespread flash flooding occurred across the county. The flooding was especially bad in Port Clinton where firefighters rescued 15 motorists from their stranded vehicles between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. Floodwaters over three feet deep were reported in many locations in the city. At the peak of the event, flood waters on Buckeye Boulevard were over four feet deep. Extensive flooding occurred on the ground floor of a local hospital. Several apartment buildings were also flooded in the city requiring the evacuation of dozens of residents. Flooding elsewhere in the county closed a couple dozen roads. Dozens of homes and businesses sustained significant damage from flooding that made it into their ground floors. Several hundred more homes sustained lesser damages, mainly from basement flooding. Local officials stated that this was the worst flooding seen in the county since the historic flood and severe weather episode of July 4th, 1969.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rains on Erie County during the evening of June 21st. Rainfall rates with the stronger storms exceeded three inches per hour. As much as 7 to 9 inches of rain fell on Perkins Township with 4 to 6 inches over the remainder of the county. Most of this rainfall fell between 8 and 11 p.m. Devastating flash flooding occurred across the county as result of this rainfall. Perkins, Milan, Huron and Margaretta Townships were the hardest hit by the flooding. Rapid rises in water levels occurred in the county forcing the closure of dozens of roads and streets. Hundreds of people had to be evacuated from flood prone areas. The flooding was especially bad along Pike Creek in Perkins Township which quickly left it's bank. Flooding also occurred along Mills Creek near Sandusky with several roads in the city flooded by two to three feet of water. The flooding worsened after daybreak on the 22nd as runoff from the heavy rains on the 21st made it's way into the larger creeks and rivers. Local officials stated that this flood event was the worst in the county since the July 4th, 1969. See the accompanying flood event write-up for damage estimates and more details on the damage.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rains on Lorain County during the late evening hours of June 21st and early morning hours of the 22nd. Rainfall rates with the stronger storms approached 3 inches per hour. A peak rainfall total of 6.5 inches was reported in Vermilion with 4 inches of this total falling between 9 and 11 p.m. Other rainfall totals from across the county included: 5.12 inches at Findlay State Park south of Wellington, 4.65 inches in Canton Township and 3.42 at the Lorain County Airport near Elyria. Flash flooding occurred as runoff from this rain made it's way into the area streams and rivers. Many roads had be closed because of flooding. Over three feet of fast flowing water was reported on State Route 511 just south of Rochester. Other streets and roads in the county had to be closed as well, especially in the northwest corner of the county. Dozens of homes sustained damaged from basement or nuisance flooding.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rains on Huron County during the late evening hours of June 21st and early morning hours of the 22nd. Widespread and devastating flash flooding occurred as a result of this rain. Damage in the county was the worst since the storms of July 4th, 1969. Between 5 and 9 inches of rain fell on much of the county. Cooperative observers in Norwalk measured a storm total of 5.70 inches with a spotter report just south of town of 6.66 inches. Other reports included 6.0 inches in New London and 4.20 inches in Fitchville. Most of this rain fell in a three to four hour period. Runoff from this rain caused area streams and rivers to quickly rise. By 3 a.m. evacuations were under way in Norwalk where flood waters around two feet deep were already being reported on the ground floors of several homes. Evacuations were also conducted near Clarksfield around the same time. Many of these evacuations were conducted by boat. Water levels continued to rise as daybreak approached. Dozens of roads in the county were washed out or flooded with water in some areas several feet deep. Dozens of vehicles became stranded in the flood waters and many motorists had to be resuced by emergency personnel. The Norwalk area was especially hard hit. By 8 am on the 22nd, the city had effectively been cut in half by the flooding with Linwood Avenue the only accessible north/south route still open. Evacuations continued through the morning hours of the 22nd with residents along Elm Street evacuated after daybreak. Water Steet and Benedict Avenue were also hard hit with homes and business heavily damaged or destroyed. Significant flooding also was reported in New London where over 100 homes were damaged by flooding. See the accompanying flood write up for more damage estimates and information.

Thunderstorms dumped 1 to 2 inches of rainfall on the western half of Seneca County during the evening hours of the 21st on ground already saturated from flooding earlier in the day. Cooperative observers in Tiffin measured 3.33 inches of rain on the 21st with 2.39 inches measured by spotters in the eastern portion of county. Widespread lowland and urban flooding occurred as streams and creeks quickly left their banks. The street flooding was especially bad in Fostoria where an underpass was flooded by more than four feet of water. Numerous other roads and streets were also closed because of flooding. Dozens of homes sustained damage from basement and nuisance flooding. Crop losses because of flooding were also substantial.

Thunderstorms redeveloped over Crawford County during the late evening hours of June 21st. One to three inches of rain fell on much of the county during a two hour period. With streams and rivers already full and the ground still saturated from heavy rains earlier in the day, flash flooding resumed over portions of the county. Flood waters over three feet deep forced the closure of State Routes 58 and 602 in the northeastern corner of the county. Homes in the area were again inundated by flood water. The flooding also severely impacted the crops in the county with projected yields reduced significantly in some areas.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rains on Sandusky County during the evening hours of June 21st and early morning hours of the 22nd. Rainfall rates with the stronger storms approached three inches per hour. Rainfall totals for the event include: 7.5 inches in northeastern Townsend Township; 5.0 inches at Woodville; 4.5 inches north of Fremont; 4 inches in Clyde and 3.5 inches in Lindsey. Widespread flash flooding occurred in the county as a result of this heavy rain. Flooding was reported in Fremont with many streets flooded with 2 to 3 feet of water. Residents of an apartment complex in Fremont were evacuated after flooding occurred on the ground floor of their building. A YMCA building nearby was also heavily damaged. Thirty homes along Clinton Street were damaged by flooding. Dozens of other homes and businesses were damaged in Fremont by basement or nuisance flooding. Flooding was also bad in the portion of Bellevue in Sandusky County. Homes along Attwood Terrace were flooded and residents began evacuating around 1 a.m. on the 22nd. Over a dozen vehicles were stranded by flooding in Bellevue alone. Extensive flooding was also reported in Woodville, Clyde and in Riley and Townsend Townships. Many roads had to be closed because of flooding. Damage to roads occurred at several locations in the county. Local officials stated that this flooding was the worst seen in the county since July 4th, 1969.

Devastating and widespread flooding developed in Erie County on June 22nd as runoff from the heavy thunderstorm rains that fell during the evening of the 21st made it's way into area streams and rivers. Initially much of the flooding in the county was in urban areas where water several feet deep accumulated on streets and roads as a result of overwhelmed storm sewers and drainage ditches. But after the rain quit, this flooding diminished during the early morning hours of the 22nd. The improvement in conditions was short lived as runoff caused area streams and rivers to quickly rise as daybreak on the 22nd approached. By 5:30 a.m. evacuations were being conducted along the Huron River near Milan. Evacuations in Perkins Township began around 7:30 a.m. and by early afternoon residents in the Milan Township community of Franklin Flats were being evacuated. In Perkins Township, Pipe Creek left it's banks flooding six streets in the Lakeland Subdivision, Terrace Court Mobile Home Park and Searsville. Fifty homes on these streets were evacuated after flood waters reached three to four feet in depth. A total of 75 people had to be rescued by boat in this area. Franklin Flats was also devastated by flooding as the Huron River rose from a stage of 6.5 feet just after midnight to 23.95 feet around 2 pm on the 22nd. Much of this rise occurred after 9 a.m. At least half of the homes in Franklin Flats were heavily damaged by the flooding. Flooding along the Vermilion River resulted in several homes being evacuated along Riverside Drive in Vermilion. Three piers and several boats in this area were washed out into Lake Erie. A total of 20 homes were destroyed by flooding in Erie County with 25 homes suffering major damage and 79 more with minor damage. Several motorists has to be rescued from stranded vehicles. In addition, 64 mobile homes in Terrace Court and Franklin Flats were heavily damaged. Several hundred additional homes and businesses sustained damage from either basement or nuisance flooding. A total of 573 people were evacuated in the county by emergency personnel. Damage to roads, culverts and bridges was significant. Crop losses in the county are expected to be substantial as standing water was reported over most of the county. Local officials stated that this flooding was the worst in the county since the storms of July 4th, 1969.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rain on the northern part of Ashland County during the late evening hours of June 21st and early morning hours of June 22nd. As much as 4 to 6 inches of rain fell in the Sullivan area with 3 to 4 inches reported at Polk, Nankin, Nova and Savannah. Several roads had to be closed because of flooding. U.S. Route 224 had to be closed near Sullivan after a drainage ditch flooded. A home nearby was destroyed around 3:30 a.m. after flood waters two to three feet deep accumulated around the house and caused a basement wall to fail. One person in the home had to rescued by emergency personnel. A few gravel roads in the northern tier of townships in the county were partially washed out. Several homes sustained damage from basement flooding. Most of these were in and around Sullivan. Crop losses in the county are expected to be significant as standing water was observed in many fields.

Runoff from heavy thunderstorm rains earlier in the night caused streams and rivers in Lorain County to rapidly rise. By mid-morning evacuations were conducted along the East Branch of the Black River in both Lagrange and Carlisle Townships. A total of ten homes were evacuated. In Lagrange Township, four people had to be rescued by boat from their Vermont Road home. Evacuations were conducted later in the morning in Elyria as the Black River flooded the Greenview Drive area. Water rose to the second floors of 13 homes in this neighborhood. At least one person had to be rescued by boat from the roof of his home. The Black River later crested at 16.9 feet, well above the flood stage of 9.5 feet. Tragically, a 47 year old rescue diver was killed while trying the rescue two teenagers who drove their vehicle into an area flooded by the West Branch of the Black River. This occurred just northwest of Wellington along Pitts Road just after noon. The firefighter was swept off his feet while wading through three to four feet of swift moving water. The firefighter was tethered by a safety line, but died before he could pulled be from the water by fellow rescuers. Around 25 homes were heavily damaged by flooding in the county with several dozen more sustaining lesser damages. One home in Carlisle Township sustained enough damage to be classified as destroyed. Twenty eight apartments, mostly in Carlisle Township, were also damaged by the flooding. State Routes 18, 511, 58 and 303 all had to be closed because of flooding. A couple dozen other roads and streets also had to be closed. Hundreds of homes sustained damage from basement flooding. Crop losses in Lorain County are also expected to be substantial as standing water was observed over much of the county.

Flooding continued in Sandusky County well after the heavy rains that caused flash flooding early on June 22nd ended. Runoff from the heavy rains caused rapid rises in all of the streams and rivers in the county on June 22nd. Both the Sandusky and Portage Rivers went into flood damaging many homes and businesses. Several homes along Riverview Avenue in Woodville were damaged. Homes in Fremont also experienced flooding. However, perhaps the hardest hit part of the county was northern Townsend Township where 7.5 inches of rain fell. Flooding along Pickerel Creek was significant and two adults and a child had to be rescued from their car along U.S. Highway 6 near the creek around noon on the 22nd. Homes in Whites Landing had as much as three feet of water on their ground floors. Significant damage occured to roads, bridges and culverts in the county. Twenty roads remained closed in the county as late as daybreak on on the 23rd. Crop losses are expected to be significant as standing water covered much of the county. Flooding in Sandusky County during this event was the worst since July 4th, 1969.

Flooding continued to worsen in Huron County on June 22nd even after the heavy rains had ended. The City of Norwalk was especially hard hit as flooding from Norwalk Creek affected much of the city. Flood waters on Water and Elm Streets rose to as much as 12 feet in depth on the 22nd. Evacuations continued throughout the day as water levels climbed. Additional rainfall during the aftenoon further aggravated conditions. Water levels finally receded on the 23rd revealing the devastation the flooding caused throughout the county. Over a dozen homes in the county were classified as being destroyed with another 35 to 40 with major damage. Close to 200 homes were classified as having minor damage with another 600 to 700 sustaining damage from basement or nuisance flooding. Most of these homes were in the Norwalk area, although there were around 100 homes damaged in New London from mostly basement flooding. Seven business along Water Street in Norwalk were heavily damaged with another 20 to 25 businesses in the area sustaining lesser damages. Damages to the businesses along Water Street alone topped $1 million. At the peak of the flooding, most of streets in the southern half of Norwalk were closed with around 35 roads and highways elsewhere in the county closed. Hundreds of people had to be evacuated from their homes, many by boat. Around 600 feet of Lamereaux Road northwest of Norwalk was washed out, along with portions of Old State Road. Government clean up costs and damage to bridges, roads and culverts topped $1.5 million in Huron County. Crop losses because of flooding are estimated to be around 30 percent. At the peak of the flooding the majority of the county was under water. Local officials stated that flooding during this event was the worst since the July 4th, 1969.

Thunderstorms redeveloped along the south shore of Lake Erie during the afternoon of June 22nd and dumped a second round of heavy rain on portions of Ottawa County. With streams and rivers already full and the ground saturated from earlier rains, flash flooding resumed in the county. One to three inches of additional rainfall was reported during the afternoon bringing 24 hour totals to around 10 inches in Port Clinton and 6 inches in Elmore. Streets and roads in the county once again became impassable in many areas. Two adults and a child had to be rescued from a stranded vehicle. In addition to the substantial propertly losses across the county, significant crop damage also occurred. Initial estimates indicate that as much as 20 percent of the soybean crop In Ottawa County was destroyed by the flooding on the 21st and 22nd.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rainfall on much of Cuyahoga County during the late afternoon and early evening hours of June 22nd. With the ground already saturated from heavy rains the previous 24 hours, flash flooding quickly developed. The eastern and southern portions of the county were especially hard hit with significant damage reported in Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Parma, North Royalton and Solon. Spotters in Solon measured 5.0 inches of rain between 3:30 and 7:30 pm. A spotter in Parma reported a 24 rainfall total of 6 inches. Other storm totals included: 5.20 inches in Solon; 4.55 inches in Oakwood; 4.39 inches in Brecksville; 3.43 inches in North Royalton and 3.02 inches in Broadview Heights. Two to three feet of water was reported on many streets effectively turning them into rivers. Dozens of motorists had to be rescued from their vehicles. In Indepedence, 21 passengers had to be rescued from a scenic railway train after the railroad's tracks became flooded. In Brecksville, Chippewa Creek turned into a raging torrent and caused extensive damage in the city. A lumberyard near the creek saw much of it's inventory washed away and around 450 homes in thre area were damaged with 50 sustaining major damage . Also in Brecksville, a car was washed off of a road and deposited on it's side several hundred yards away. As much as two to three feet of water was reported on the ground floors of homes in Independence. In Parma, a sink hole 10 feet wide and 13 feet deep developed on State Road (State Route 94). The City of Parma spent over $1 million for emergency response, street repairs, materials and personnel. Around 200 homes, most of them east of State Road were damaged in the city. Several hundred homes and six school buildings were damaged by flooding in North Royalton. The damage was even more widespread in Broadview Heights and Solon. In Broadview Heights, around 1800 homes were affected by flooding with over 200 sustaining major damage. Most of this damage was north of State Route 82. Another 2000 homes were damaged in Solon. Numerous roads and culverts in these areas were washed out. At the peak of the flooding, nearly two dozen streets were impassable in Solon alone. In Walton Hills, flood waters were reported flowing over guard rails lining streets. Flooding in Cuyahoga County during this event was unprecedented. Nearly 4,000 homes, 475 businesses and 21 public buildings in the county were damaged by flooding. Damage to public infrastructure alone was in the millions. See the accompanying flood write up for information on the record flooding that occurred along the Cuyahoga River.

Thunderstorms dumped locally heavy rains on southern Geauga County during the afternoon hours of June 22nd. This rain fell on top of ground already saturated from heavy rains the previous 24 hours. A spotter in Troy Township measured 3.94 inches of rain on June 21st and 22nd with most of this rain falling between 3 and 8 p.m on the 22nd. Streams and creeks throughout southern Geauga County quickly left their banks flooding several roads. Both U.S. Route 422 and State Route 306 near Bainbridge had to be closed. Residents of several homes on Kenston Lake south of Bainbridge had to be evacuated because of a possible dam failure at the lake. A lot of flooding was also reported in Newbury Township after several streams went into flood. Dozens of homes in the county sustained damage, mainly from basement or nuisance flooding. No significant structural damage was reported.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rains on the northern portion of Summit County during the afternoon hours of June 22nd. This rain fell on ground already saturated from heavy rains the previous 24 hours. Radar estimated that 3 to 5 inches of rain fell along and north of the Ohio Turnpike during a two hour period. A spotter in Twinsburg reported over 5 inches of rain fell in 75 minutes beginning around 4 p.m. Two day storm totals from across the county included: 5.75 inches in Twinsburg; 3.30 inches in Macedonia; 3.18 inches in Bath; 2.90 inches at Portage Lakes; 2.76 inches in Munroe Falls and 2.62 at Akron Fulton Airport. Runoff from this rain caused flash flooding to quickly develop during the late afternoon hours of the 22nd. Extensive flooding was reported near the intersection of the Ohio Turnpike and State Route 21 in Richfield Township. Roads in this area were flooded by as much as two feet of water and a hotel sustained extensive damage from water flowing through it's ground floor. A lot of flooding was also reported north of Peninsula and in Twinsburg. In Twinsburg, flood water were as much as four feet deep and at least four motorists had to be rescued from their vehicles. Dozens of homes in Adams Park area were damaged by flooding. Near Peninsula, considerable damage was done to a scenic railroad track. Later in the evening, a ski resort along Riverview Road was heavily damaged by flash flooding. Dozens of roads and streets in the northern half of the county had to be closed because of flooding. Several hundred homes and businesses were damaged, mainly by basement flooding.

Thunderstorms dumped around 2 inches of rain on portions of Stark County during the afternoon hours of June 22nd. Most of this rain fell in the less than 90 minutes on ground already saturated from heavy rains the previous 24 hours. Two day rainfall totals from across the county included: 3.16 inches in Beach City; 3.10 inches in North Lawrence; 3.02 inches in Osnaburg Township; 2.98 inches in Genoa and 2.70 inches in Alliance. Rapid rises in area streams and rivers resulted from this rainfall and led to flash flooding in several areas. Most of the flooding was reported in Pike, Tuscarawas and Canton Townships. In Tuscarawas Township, Wolf Creek and Pigeon Run left their banks flooding several roads. Nimishillen Creek and Bear Run flooded in Canton and Pike Townships causing some damage. Many homes along these streams were damaged by the rapidly rising flood waters and several roads had to be closed. Damage to the homes was mainly from nuisance or basement flooding and no significant structural damage was reported. Local officials estimate that there could be some crop loss from standing water.

Thunderstorms dumped torrential rains on Portage County during the late afternoon and early evening hours of June 22nd. Radar estimated that as much as 3 to 5 inches of rain fell across the northern portion of the county. This rain fell on ground already saturated from earlier rains. Flooding was reported in Aurora with dozens of homes in the northern half of the city sustaining damage from flooding. Most of this was basement flooding and no significant structural damage was reported. Significant street flooding also occurred in Streetsboro. Near Ravenna, a stream left it's banks and flooded much a mobile home park near State Route 59. Several residents of the park had to be evacuated. Many other homes in the county also sustained damages, mainly from basement flooding.

Thunderstorms dumped locally heavy rains on Medina County on June 21st and 22nd. Runoff from this rain caused streams and rivers in the county to leave their banks during the evening hours of the 22nd. Widespread lowland flooding occurred in the county. Around 10 roads had to be closed in the western portion of the county because of flooding. Two day rainfall totals from June 21st and 22nd included: 4.06 inches at Medina; 3.81 inches at the Wadsworth Airport; 3.81 inches in Seville; 3.78 inches in Spencer; 3.41 inches in Wadsworth and 3.22 inches in Granger Township. Dozens of homes in the county sustained damage, mainly from basement flooding. Crop losses in the county are expected to be significant as many fields in the county were under standing water for several days.

Runoff from the heavy rains on June 22nd caused rapid rises in all of the streams and rivers in Cuyahoga County. The Cuyahoga River at Independence established a new record high level by cresting at 23.21 feet during the early morning hours of June 23rd. Flood stage at Independence is 16 feet. Extensive flooding occurred along the river in both Valley View and Independence. Hundreds of people had to evacuated from their homes in these locations. Significant damage was done to homes and business along the river with damage along Canal Road especially bad. Considerable damage was also reported along the small streams and creeks in county. Numerous roads, bridges and culverts were damaged by this flooding. Around 4,000 homes, 475 business and 21 public buildings were damaged by flooding n Cuyahoga County on June 22nd and 23rd. This amount of damage was unprecedented in the county.