Gov. Mike DeWine has declared a state of emergency for 19 Ohio counties after severe flooding from heavy rains damaged roads, homes and public buildings across the state.
DeWine signed the order Sept. 22 in Vinton County, which saw widespread flooding Sept. 21 that shut down the county courthouse in McArthur for the day. The closure postponed scheduled court hearings, including proceedings connected to a high-profile child welfare case.
The counties covered by the declaration are Athens, Clermont, Gallia, Greene, Highland, Jackson, Logan, Meigs, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Preble, Ross, Van Wert and Vinton — spanning southern, central and western Ohio.
“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.”
The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are assisting local authorities, and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency is coordinating with county officials.
No statewide damage estimate is available yet. Officials say they have had to wait for floodwaters to recede in some areas before assessing damage to roadways, culverts and structures.
Residents in affected areas are urged to avoid flooded roads and report damage to local emergency management offices.