Flood warnings issued for multiple counties

QUICK-LOOK FORECAST

• Heavy rain causing flooding
• Flood warning in effect for some
• Storms Thursday could be severe
• Remnants of Bill impacting weekend

DETAILED FORECAST

There will be far less coverage of rain overnight, with many areas getting some dry time, but it will be muggy with lows in the upper 60s, StormCenter 7 Meteorologist Rich Wirdzek said.

“However, just like last night, a random downpour could be possible in a few spots at any given time,” Wirdzek said.

A flood warning remains in effect through 6 a.m. Thursday for Darke, Champaign, Auglaize, Shelby, Mercer and Logan counties, according to the NWS.

Flooding issues prompted Mercer County to declare a state of emergency this afternoon. The county ran out of road closed signs due to the large number of closures due to high water. The county’s 911 Administrator, Monte Diegel, said drivers should use caution. They will encounter flooded roads without signs. Drivers should turn around and avoid the area; do not attempt to drive through the high water.

In Sidney, the city’s flood action plan was initiated at noon today, according to the Sidney Daily News. In the last 24 hours, Shelby County received more than 8 inches of rainfall, and it has rained somewhere in the county every day since June 11. The Great Miami River reached 10.74 feet by 12:30 p.m. today. According to the city’s flood action plan, minor flooding occurs with river levels of 11.1 to 12.1 feet; moderate flooding begins at 14.6 feet; major flooding begins at 18.02 feet, and record flooding starts at 18.54 feet, the newspaper reported.

Thursday: Scattered showers will be possible in the morning, though some sun is expected later in the morning. There will be some dry time across the area before more thunderstorms develop later in the afternoon and evening. These storms will pose more problems with flooding, but also will possibly become severe with damaging winds and hail.

Friday: Areas north of Interstate 70 may get a break from rain as more stable air will push into parts of the area during the day. Still, areas south may see another round of showers and storms at one point. Highs will reach near 80.

Saturday: As the remnants of Tropical Storm Bill work closer to the area, more showers and thunderstorms will develop and push into the region. A few late storms could be strong to severe. Highs will be in the low 80s.

Father's Day: The remnants of Bill may still be an influence in the area, with more thunderstorms possible amid highs in the mid-80s.

Monday: A passing thundershower is possible, but the chance for rain will be lower across the area. Highs will reach the mid-80s.