Flash Flood in Holmes County, Ohio

Another round of heavy rain producing thunderstorms moved across Holmes County late on June 16th and early on the 17th. Spotters near Berlin measured two inches of rain between 11 p.m. and midnight with storm totals of four to five inches. This rain combined with ground already saturated from earlier rains led to devastating flooding in portions of Holmes County. The Walnut Creek area was among the hardest hit in the county. Rapid rises in streams and creeks damaged many roads and buildings. Over 14,000 chickens perished at a Walnut Creek Township farm after flood waters surged into a barn. Two motorists were injured when their car was swept off a flooded county road and overturned. Two bridges were washed out in Salt Creek Township. Many roads had to be closed because of washouts or flooding. Hundreds of homes and businesses sustained at least minor flood damage. Damage to roads, bridges and other public property topped $700,000.