MANSFIELD — Most low-lying areas on Mansfield’s north side were under water this morning after a severe thunderstorm moved through the area. Richland County officials said they will meet at 9:30 a.m. to determine the extent of the damage. “Early reports are that the flooding situation is deteriorating rapidly,” sad Ed Olsen, Richland County Commissioner. Olsen said river guages in Bellville put the Clear Fork River at 10 feet - near flood stage. “With water flowing out of tributaries, we could see wide spread flooding,” he said. The county has asked to meet with state officials to determine if or when it could declare a state of emergency. The declaration would trigger an application for state assistance with flood damage. Meanwhile, in Mansfield most intersections along Sixth Street were becoming more passable as high water began to recede in the downtown area. The U.S. 30 underpass at Springmill Road was closed by high water around 5:30 a.m. A car was stalled in flood waters beneath the underpass. One news report indicated a lot of streets are blocked in Lexington, with one woman saying she had trouble getting out of town to get to work in Mansfield. • Flood Warning: The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a flood warning till 5:15 p.m. Tuesday. Flooding is a particular threat in Shelby and Loudonville, according to the NWS. Additionally, a flash flood watch is in effect till 9 a.m. for Ashland, Crawford, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, and Wyandot counties. • High Water Areas: High water has been reported in Shelby, where Skiles Field is under water but roads through town are open, and other areas around the county. Flooding will occur first in low-lying areas. The ground is already saturated, so water may rise suddenly. Residents in low-lying areas should seek high ground immediately and not drive around police barriers, officials said. BELLVILLE: The Clear Fork River that runs under Highway 13 is at its banks, but remains below flood stage, according to News Journal Reporter Lou Whitmire. LEXINGTON: Lexington-Springmill Road (Plymouth Street) north of Lexington has water flowing over the road. Warning signs are posted, but cars were moving through the area. Other reports are coming in that A&E Motors in Lexington is flooded. No official confirmation has been received on that. Home Road south of Marion Avenue had sections under fast moving water. Emergency crews were discouraging drivers from passing through that area. LOUDONVILLE: The Mohican River in Loudonville is over its banks in many parts. All canoe liveries are closed. An official with Mohican Adventures said the high water, as well as the rain for the last few weeks has hurt their business. The livery may be closed for up to a week until water levels are safe for paddlers. GALION: According to officials in Galion, the city has temporarily closed Ohio 309 from North East Street at Charles Street to Harding Way East due to flooding. Police are trying to notify people that their cars are going to be under water, and asking drivers to get cars to higher ground. MANSFIELD: The Mansfield Post office is closed because of high water. The north side of the federal building housing the post office is flooded. ONTARIO: The Ontario Police department said there is high water on Home Road between West Fourth and Nussbaum Parkway. Gravel was on the roadway on Lexington-Ontario Road south of Ontario. SHELBY: Shelby Police report that the following roads are closed: Tucker, Mickey, State and Main St
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:20:27 +0000
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