Flash Flood — Lawrence, Ohio

2011-05-10 to 2011-05-11 · near Blackfork, Lawrence, Ohio

Event narrative

Flashing flooding was common in the county. Numerous water rescues occurred both from homes and vehicles. The main concentration of damage was around Pedro, Ironton, Kitts Hill and Rock Camp. The state of Ohio reported 40 homes had major damage and 40 other homes had minor damage. Five businesses were also affected to some degree. Damage to roads, small bridges, and culverts occurred. Numerous water rescues occurred.

Wider weather episode

Repetitive showers and thunderstorms, moved southeast through western Vinton County, Jackson County, and western and central portions of Lawrence County between 1500E and 1830E on Tuesday, the 10th. This convection was just northeast of the surface warm front. A sharp dew point gradient existed along the front. Surface dew points were around 70 degrees just southwest of the boundary. Luckily, later that same evening, repetitive convection occurred in the Scioto River Valley, missing this area just to the west.

Initially, the main impact was large hail. As back building caused repetitive showers and thunderstorms, flooding became the primary issue. Maximum rain amounts of 3 to 4 inches were observed. Jackson measured 3.35 inches. Waterloo observed 3.76 inches. South Point had 3.25 inches of rain.

Luckily, no injuries or fatalities occurred.

State assistance money was committed to aid uninsured homeowners and renters.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (38.8300, -82.5800)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 299395. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.