MANSFIELD — A flood warning is in effect for Richland and Ashland counties until noon Thursday, according to the National Weather Service office in Cleveland.
The warning was issued Thursday at 4:36 a.m. after two to four inches of rain had fallen across north central Ohio.
As of 10:30 a.m., rain was continuing to fall across north central Ohio with the occasional flash of lightning and roll of thunder.
The Richland County Emergency Management Agency reported at 10:30 a.m. that there was high water at Ohio 13 and U.S. 30 and the “subway” on Ashland Road on the city’s east side.
Richland County Engineer Adam Gove reported at 10:35 a.m. the following county roads were closed in the county due to high water:
— London West Road between Broadway and Plymouth Springmill in Plymouth Township.
— Champion Road between Hazelbrush and London West Road in Plymouth Township.
— London East Road between Fackler and Ganges Five-Points Road in Cass Township.
— Mount Zion Road between Crimson and Smart roads in Mifflin Township.
“We have other roads with water over them, but those are the ones completely closed,” Gove said.
The NWS said earlier flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is occurring. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable.
On Thursday at 7:21 a.m., the Ohio Department of Transportation announced multiple routes in Ashland County were closed due to flooding.
— U.S.250, between CR 175 and Twp Rd.63 (Rowsburg to Wayne County Line)
— U.S.250, between U.S. 224 and Twp Rd 388
— SR 302, between Wayne Co. line and CR 175 (open again as of 10:30 a.m.)
— SR 58, between CR 620 and CR 700
— U.S. 42, between Airport Road and U.S. 250 (closed as of 10:30 a.m.)
As predicted, it was a busy weather night on Wednesday with severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings popping up through the overnight hours.
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The NWS said at 4:36 a.m. that Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms and that flooding was ongoing in the warning area.
Localized flooding was possible in an area that included Mansfield, Millersburg, Shelby, Ontario, Lexington, Crestline, Loudonville, Bellville, Plymouth, Shreve, Hayesville, Holmesville, Nashville, Butler, Perrysville, Lucas, Mifflin, Olivesburg, Mohicanville and Shenandoah.
Weather officials urged motorists not to drive through water across a roadway.
“Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious,” the NWS said.
(Above are views of the Clear Fork Mohican River in Bellville on Thursday just after 9 a.m.)
Showers and thunderstorms will continue Thursday, mainly before 10 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. It will be hot and humid with a high near 87. Heat index values will reach as high as 97. The chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible.
(Above are photos taken Thursday at 9:25 a.m. at the corner of Fry Road and Church Street in Bellville.)
Showers and thunderstorms are likely Thursday night, mainly before 11pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 9 to 11 mph.
The chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch are possible, according to the NWS.
(Above photos were taken around Mansfield between 9 and 10 a.m.)