Heavy storms dumped up to 2.5 inches of rain across Hamilton County on Aug. 7, triggering flash flood warnings that covered Sharonville, Springdale, Evendale and Woodlawn and creating hazardous driving conditions on Interstates 75 and 71 during the evening commute.
The National Weather Service office in Wilmington issued two sequential Flash Flood Warnings for Hamilton County on Friday afternoon. The first covered southeastern Hamilton County and northern Clermont County until 6 p.m. The second, issued at 4:19 p.m., covered northwestern Hamilton County and southeastern Butler County until 7:15 p.m.
Parts of I-71 and I-75 saw very slick roads Friday afternoon and evening, WLWT reported, including near Colerain Township. Both interstates are primary commuter routes for Princeton corridor residents.
Mill Creek rises in Evendale
The NWS also issued a separate Flood Warning for Mill Creek at Evendale, forecasting the creek would rise above flood stage to approximately 12.5 feet. The warning noted water could approach some buildings along the creek. That warning remained in effect until 4 a.m. Aug. 8.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the NWS in Wilmington had warned slow-moving storms posed the greatest flooding risk. "Areas that see repeated rounds of storms could experience flooding issues," the NWS said in forecast guidance reported by the Enquirer.
Tens of thousands lose power
Beyond flooding, the storms knocked out power to tens of thousands of customers across southwest Ohio, according to WYSO Public Radio. Strong winds accompanied the heavy rain, though the NWS said the primary threat was rainfall rather than severe wind.
The NWS forecast called for additional rain chances into the following week as warm, humid air remains in place across the Ohio Valley.
Safety guidance
The NWS and local authorities urged drivers not to attempt crossing flooded roadways. Motorists can check live road conditions on the Ohio Department of Transportation's OhGo traffic map at ohgo.com/cincinnati.
Residents who encounter flooding or need emergency assistance should call 911.
