Columbus, OH – A Flood Watch remains in effect through late tonight across central and southern Ohio, northern Kentucky, and parts of southeast Indiana as rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms increase the threat for flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout Friday and into the overnight hours. Widespread rainfall totals around 1 inch are expected, though isolated areas could receive up to 3 inches where heavier storms repeatedly move over the same locations.
The watch now includes Columbus, Cincinnati suburbs, Newark, Lancaster, Circleville, Chillicothe, Portsmouth, Hillsboro, Georgetown, Maysville, Covington, Florence, and dozens of surrounding communities across the Ohio Valley.
Forecasters warned that excessive rainfall may quickly overwhelm creeks, streams, storm drains, and low-lying roadways, especially in urban areas and flood-prone locations. Flash flooding could develop rapidly during heavier thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.
Counties included in the expanded Flood Watch include Franklin, Fairfield, Licking, Fayette, Pickaway, Clermont, Brown, Adams, Ross, Scioto, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Mason, and several others across Ohio, Kentucky, and southeast Indiana.
Drivers are urged to avoid water-covered roads tonight, as even shallow flooding can become dangerous after dark. Residents living near flood-prone streams or poor drainage areas should closely monitor weather updates and prepare for possible Flood Warnings.
Additional thunderstorms are expected to continue moving through the region into early Saturday morning before conditions gradually improve.
