Flash Flood in Stark County, Ohio

Thunderstorms producing heavy rain moved across Stark County during the evening hours of June 14th and early morning hours of the 15th. Two to four inches of rain fell on ground already saturated from heavy rains the previous few days. One inch of rain was measured in 20 minutes at East Sparta during the evening hours. This rainfall caused the streams and rivers in the county to rapidly rise. The worst flooding was reported in Canton Township where Nimishillen Creek went into flood early on the 15th. Around 15 families in North Industry had to be evacuated from their homes around midnight. Flood waters up to five feet deep were reported in this area and a dive team had to rescue two people from their stranded car. The creek crested at 11.46 feet at 8 am on the 15th. Widespread flooding was also reported in the Louisville area. Businesses in downtown sustained considerable damage after the East Branch of Nimishillen Creek went into flood. Spotters in the area measured 3.6 inches of rain between midnight and 4 a.m. Flooding was also reported in Perry Township, Sandy Township and in the Minerva area. Dozens of roads were either closed or washed out by the flooding. Hundreds of homes, businesses and vehicles were damaged by the flooding.