ASHLAND — Flooding leads to more deaths each year than any other thunderstorm-related hazard, according to the National Weather Service.
More than a month into meteorological spring, rain has come frequent and heavy in Ashland County and throughout most of the state. Several roads throughout the county have been closed over the past few days due to flood waters making them impassable.
As of Friday afternoon, Township Road 984 and the 1900 block of County Road 175 remained closed due to water over the roadways, according to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
Those two roadways were closed as of Thursday and had not been checked again as of Friday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office.
Friday evening’s forecast includes a chance of thunderstorms and showers, with lows around 60 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. There is a 90 percent chance of rain.
The NWS issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook early Friday morning for several counties, including Ashland County.
As it pertains to Friday, the outlook reads as follows:
“Area rivers continue to run high today, with some remaining above flood stage. See active Flood Warnings for more specific details.
“Scattered showers and thunderstorms are again likely this afternoon into the late evening as a front stalls across the area. Locally heavy rain may accompany some storms, along with a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) for damaging winds and hail. Storms this afternoon and late evening will be most favored along and south of the stalled front, generally south of the I-80 corridor.”
Below is forecasts for Saturday and Sunday in Ashland County, according to the NWS.
- Saturday: Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers in the morning. Mostly cloudy, with showers likely, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
- Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a chance of showers in the morning. Much cooler than Saturday, with highs only reaching the upper 40s. West winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40 percent.
Below is a copy of the latest briefing from the National Weather Service, updated as of 2:41 p.m. Friday afternoon.
Flood safety tips and resources
According to the NWS, it takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars. Just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency posted to Facebook.
The NWS reminds drivers on its website to never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. It’s also dangerous to walk into or near flood waters.
As a reminder, the NWS coined the phrase, “Turn Around Don’t Drown,” a straight-to-the-point way of reminding folks what outcomes may await should they choose to ignore warning signs.
More flood safety tips and resources can be found on the NWS website.
