Partially frozen and saturated ground from recent snow melt coupled with periods of heavy rainfall today and Friday will raise flooding concerns across east-central Ohio and the Tuscarawas Valley.
The National Weather Service has all area counties under a Flood Watch tonight through Friday afternoon. Widespread rain will move in Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday morning. Rainfall amounts of up to two inches will be possible over the next 24 hours.
WHEN WILL THE RAIN ARRIVE?
Scattered light rain showers and/or periods of drizzle will be possible during Thursday morning with the passage of a warm front. Widespread and periods of heavy rainfall is expected to arrive Thursday afternoon as low pressure tracks across the upper Ohio Valley. Rain with periods of heavy rain will continue overnight.
HOW MUCH RAIN CAN WE EXPECT?
The National Weather Service expects anywhere between 1 to 2 inches of rain can occur over the next 24 hours in east-central Ohio. We can expect to receive an average of 1.5 inches of rain here in the Tuscarawas Valley. Some areas could receive more than 1.5 inches especially communities south and east of New Philadelphia – including Dennison/Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas, Gnaddenhutten, Port Washington, and Peoli.
WILL THE TUSCARAWAS RIVER FLOOD?
Rainfall is expected to be heaviest south of New Philadelphia, so the Tuscarawas River at New Phila will not rise as much there. However, levels along the Tusky will increase as you go south.
Stillwater Creek in Uhrichsville is forecast to reach minor flood stage
ODOT has already closed SR-258 Stillwater to West Chester because of flooding in the area. Those near the creek in Uhrichsville will need to monitor the situation there for flooding over the next few days.
Generally speaking, if this much rain occurs, all creeks and streams will likely flood at some point. Also, street flooding as well as flooding in low lying areas are likely to occur throughout the area.
WHEN WILL THE RAIN END?
Rain will continue into Friday morning but should taper off and end by lunch time with the passage of a cold front. Any leftover precipitation along and behind the front may briefly change over to a few snow showers late Friday morning. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.
Colder air will rush in Friday afternoon. The warmest part of the day will be in the morning with temperatures falling through the remainder of the day.
High pressure will build pushing the rain off to the east by lunch time Friday leaving us dry through Saturday. The next system will bring back chances for snow showers by early Saturday evening.
