MCARTHUR — Communities across southeast and central Ohio are digging out this week after severe flooding forced Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency in 19 counties.
DeWine signed the emergency order Sept. 22 in Vinton County, where heavy rains Sept. 21 flooded the Vinton County Courthouse in McArthur, forcing the building to shut down on a day when hearings were scheduled in a high-profile child-welfare case and a related criminal case.
Beyond Vinton and Pickaway counties, the order covers Athens, Clermont, Gallia, Greene, Highland, Jackson, Logan, Meigs, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pike, Preble, Ross and Van Wert. The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are assisting local authorities, while the Ohio Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with county officials on response and recovery.
“We’ve seen significant flooding and damage across several Ohio counties,” DeWine said. “The state is working closely with local officials to provide the resources needed to help communities respond and recover.” Officials have not yet estimated total damage; assessments of roadways, culverts and structures are still underway as waters recede.
