Flash Flood — Lucas, Ohio

2008-07-02 to 2008-07-03 · near Maumee, Lucas, Ohio

Event narrative

Very heavy rainfall started across Lucas County around 7:30 pm, with the heaviest rain falling between 8 pm and 9 pm, and then again between 12:30 am and 1:30 am. Rainfall totals in the area included 5.00 inches at the intersection of I-475 and US 23, 4.31 inches in Sylvania, 3.70 inches at the Toledo airport, and 3.39 inches in Point Place. Widespread flooding resulted, with many cars stranded citywide in underpasses and along flooded streets. Flooding occurred in neighborhoods along several area drainages, including Shantee Creek, Swan Creek, and Heldman Ditch. Over 100 basements were flooded from the excess runoff, and the Oregon municipal building was completely surrounded by water.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms developed over Michigan on the afternoon of the 2nd ahead of a cold front. These storms consolidated into a bow echo which moved rapidly eastward through southern Michigan and into Lake Erie near sunset. The southern flank of this bow echo stalled across northwestern Ohio, with several rounds of thunderstorm redevelopment bringing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and isolated severe weather to the Toledo area.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (41.5692, -83.6705)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 129815. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.